Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious meals, Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs are hard to beat. These meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even meal prepping for the week. With their juicy interior, crispy exterior, and gooey cheesy center, they are sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation Steps

Making these meatballs is straightforward and satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, egg, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Form the Meatballs:
   • Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
   • Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
   • Drizzle the meatballs with a bit of olive oil to help them crisp up.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, pasta, or a fresh salad.

Making the Meatball Mixture

The key to perfect meatballs is in the mixture. Combining ground chicken with breadcrumbs, cheeses, herbs, and spices creates a flavorful and moist meatball. Be sure to mix the ingredients well to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Forming and Baking the Meatballs

Forming uniform meatballs ensures they cook evenly. Using a small ice cream scoop can help achieve consistent size. Baking the meatballs at a high temperature helps develop a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

Adding the Cheese

Mozzarella and ricotta cheese add a deliciously gooey center to these meatballs. Parmesan cheese enhances the overall flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for unique variations.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic meal. They also make great appetizers served with toothpicks and a dipping sauce. Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner.

Health Considerations

These meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. Ground chicken is lower in fat and calories. For an even lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella and bake instead of frying.

Variations to Try

Customize your meatballs with these variations:

• Different Meats: Substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or pork.
• Vegetarian: Use a mix of mushrooms and extra breadcrumbs instead of meat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory flavor and cheesy center, they are sure to become a family favorite. Give them a try and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with turkey, beef, or pork.
2. How long do the meatballs last in the fridge? The meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the ground chicken with a mix of mushrooms and extra breadcrumbs.
4. What other types of cheese can I use? You can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
5. How can I make the meatballs gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
   Yield: 6

   Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

   

   Print

   When it comes to quick, easy, and delicious meals, Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs are hard to beat. These meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even meal prepping for the week. With their juicy interior, crispy exterior, and gooey cheesy center, they are sure to become a family favorite.

   Prep Time 15 minutes

   Cook Time 45 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage (see note)
   • 1 pound ground chicken
   • 2 slices soft whole grain bread
   • 2 eggs
   • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
   • 2 small shallots, grated
   • 2 cloves garlic, grated
   • 1-2 tablespoons chopped pepperoncinis
   • 1 jar (32 ounce) marinara sauce
   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
   • 1 cup shredded provolone
   • 1/4 cup fresh oregano

   Instructions

   1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

   2. Take the bread and run it under water until dampened but not soaked. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the bread and then crumble the dampened bread into pieces.

   3. In a bowl, combine the sausage, chicken, bread crumble, eggs, parmesan, shallots, garlic, pepperoncinis, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Coat your hands with olive oil, then roll the meat into 2 tablespoon size balls, and place them into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes or until the meatballs are crisp on the outside, but not yet cooked through on the inside.

   4. Remove from the oven and pour the marinara over top the meatballs. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes longer, or until the meatballs are cooked through. Remove the foil and add the cheeses and oregano. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden, about 10 minutes. Serve topped with fresh oregano and your favorite pasta!

   Notes

   Ground Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage: I buy ground chicken sausage at Whole Foods. If you can’t find it, you can make your own by adding the following spice mix to 1 pound ground chicken:

   1 tablespoon each of fennel seed, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper; 2 teaspoons each of cayenne (or less, if you don’t want it too spicy), paprika, and garlic powder; and 1 teaspoon each of smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. 

   Nutrition Information:

   
   Amount Per Serving: Calories: 622