Description
Delicious and tender baked chicken meatballs simmered in a flavorful homemade tomato sauce. This easy recipe combines ground chicken with Italian herbs, Parmesan, and garlic to create mouthwatering meatballs that are baked to perfection and served with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce. Perfect as a main dish over pasta, rice, or enjoyed on their own, this wholesome meal is simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, or 2 tablespoons dried)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make the meatballs tough.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are cooked through, golden brown on the outside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes along with garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop the flavors.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are fully cooked, carefully transfer them into the simmering tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs thoroughly without breaking them up. Let them warm together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken meatballs in tomato sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or enjoy them on their own. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy: Relish your flavorful and comforting Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, perfect for a family meal or casual dinner.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture.
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
- Add red pepper flakes in the sauce for a spicy kick, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Serving suggestions include pairing with spaghetti, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, chicken meatballs recipe, tomato sauce meatballs, healthy meatballs, Italian meatballs, easy dinner recipes
