Introduction
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the savory delight of chicken meatballs with sauce. These juicy meatballs, paired with a flavorful sauce, make for a satisfying meal that is both hearty and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, chicken meatballs with sauce are sure to be a hit.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of preparing tender chicken meatballs and a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements them. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be enjoying this delectable dish in no time.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the chicken meatballs:
– Ground chicken
– Breadcrumbs
– Onion, finely chopped
– Garlic, minced
– Parmesan cheese, grated
– Egg
– Salt and pepper
For the sauce:
– Crushed tomatoes
– Olive oil
– Fresh basil, chopped
– Red pepper flakes
– Salt and sugar
Steps
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
4. In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil and add crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
6. Serve the chicken meatballs with sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Variations
There are endless ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations you can try:
– Add diced bell peppers and mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
– Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground chicken for a kick of heat.
– Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as oregano or thyme, to change up the flavor profile.
– For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce before serving.
Tips
1. To ensure moist and tender meatballs, do not overmix the ingredients.
2. For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the meatball mixture.
3. If the sauce is too acidic, balance it out with a pinch of sugar.
4. Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze the extras for a quick and easy meal later on.
5. Serve the chicken meatballs with sauce over pasta or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Chicken meatballs with sauce are a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy meal at home, chicken meatballs with sauce are a delicious choice that is both simple to make and impressive to serve.
So, next time you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to enjoy, give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken in this recipe. Just be mindful of potential differences in cooking times and adjust accordingly.
Q: How long can I store leftover chicken meatballs with sauce?
A: Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?
A: Yes, you can shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the cooking instructions.
Chicken Meatballs with Sauce
Tender chicken meatballs paired with a flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty dish. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground chicken
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1 onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon sugar
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
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Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides.
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In a separate saucepan, heat olive oil and add crushed tomatoes, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
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Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
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Serve the chicken meatballs with sauce hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
