Chicken meatballs are small, round balls made from ground chicken mixed with various ingredients such as breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, and seasonings. They are a lighter alternative to traditional meatballs made from beef or pork, offering a leaner protein option. Chicken meatballs can be cooked in various ways, including frying, baking, or simmering in sauce. They are versatile and can be served in many dishes, such as with pasta, in sandwiches, as appetizers, or with dipping sauces. The flavor and seasoning can be easily customized to suit different cuisines and preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

• Optional: marinara sauce for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

2. Form the Meatballs:

   • Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet or plate.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

4. Optional: Simmer in Sauce:

   • If you’d like to serve the meatballs with marinara sauce, transfer the cooked meatballs to a pot of warmed marinara sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the chicken meatballs hot, either on their own, over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are cooked through.

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to add different herbs and spices to the mixture, such as basil, thyme, or paprika, to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade chicken meatballs!