Description
These Italian-style chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices, they are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.
Ingredients
– 1 large egg
– 1 pound ground chicken (93% lean)
– 1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
– 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste, divided
– 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
– 2 1/2 cups fresh spinach, lightly packed
For Serving:
– Tomato sauce
– Cooked whole wheat pasta, zucchini, or other vegetable noodles
– Buns for sandwiches
– Toothpicks to serve as an appetizer
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg. Add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, and parsley. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of tomato paste and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the meatballs over pasta or vegetable noodles, topped with the spinach mixture and tomato sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
– For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
– Substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (assuming 16 meatballs)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg