These Chicken Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a delicious, healthy, and comforting meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Ground chicken is combined with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and fresh parsley, then formed into tender meatballs and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. This dish is light yet satisfying and pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread.

The meatballs are packed with flavor, while the marinara sauce adds a tangy richness that complements the chicken beautifully. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also versatile, as you can adjust the ingredients to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress guests, these chicken meatballs will do the trick.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• Ground chicken: 1 lb (450 g)
• Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (125 ml)
• Milk: ¼ cup (60 ml)
• Egg: 1, beaten
• Salt: ½ tsp (2.5 ml)
• Fresh parsley: ¼ cup (60 ml), minced
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Onion powder: 1 tsp (5 ml)
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup (60 ml), grated

For the Sauce:

• Prepared pasta sauce: 2 jars (650 ml each) of marinara or any preferred pasta sauce

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Mix breadcrumbs and milk: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of breadcrumbs with ¼ cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes until the breadcrumbs soak up the milk and form a moist consistency.
2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, 1 beaten egg, ½ tsp of salt, ¼ cup of minced fresh parsley, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of onion powder, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Using clean hands or a spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

1. Form the meatballs: Using your hands, shape the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 16-20 meatballs, depending on the size you prefer.
2. Optional: Chill the meatballs: For better shape retention, you can place the shaped meatballs in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This step is optional but can help the meatballs hold their shape during cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

1. Heat a pan: In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Brown the meatballs: Add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are browned all over. The goal is to get a nice golden crust on the outside, though they don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
3. Transfer the meatballs: Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs in the Marinara Sauce

1. Heat the sauce: In the same skillet, pour the two jars of prepared pasta sauce (650 ml each). Stir the sauce and let it heat for a couple of minutes over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the sauce: Gently place the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Ensure that the meatballs are submerged in the sauce so they can absorb the flavors as they finish cooking.
3. Simmer the meatballs: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for dipping. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.

Cooking Tips

• Moist meatballs: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk helps to keep the meatballs tender and moist. This step is key to ensuring your chicken meatballs don’t dry out during cooking.
• Handling the meatballs: To prevent the meatballs from sticking to your hands, lightly coat your hands with a bit of oil or water before shaping them.
• Alternative cooking method: If you prefer to bake the meatballs, you can place them on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked. Then, add them to the sauce to simmer for a few minutes before serving.
• Customize the sauce: While marinara sauce is the classic choice for these meatballs, you can use any type of pasta sauce you like, such as arrabbiata, creamy tomato, or even a white sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Calcium: 12% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these meatballs in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking.
2. Can I use other types of meat?
   • Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground chicken, you can substitute it with ground turkey, beef, pork, or even a combination of meats to suit your preference.
3. What can I serve with these meatballs?
   • These chicken meatballs pair well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter option.
4. How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?
   • The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check if they’re done.
5. Can I make the sauce from scratch?
   • Yes! If you prefer to make your own marinara sauce, you can sauté some onions and garlic in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and herbs like basil and oregano. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes before adding the meatballs.

Conclusion

These Chicken Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, Parmesan cheese, and garlic makes the meatballs irresistibly savory, while the marinara sauce adds a rich, tangy flavor. This dish is quick to prepare and easy to customize, whether you serve it with pasta, bread, or vegetables.

With the option to prepare the meatballs ahead of time or even freeze them for later, this recipe is great for busy nights when you need a comforting and delicious meal without too much effort. Enjoy these chicken meatballs with your favorite sides and sauces for a wholesome and satisfying meal!