Chicken Meatballs
Juicy chicken meatballs baked to perfection, served with flavorful stewed tomatoes and vegetables, ideal for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 slices fat-free bread ⓘ
- 1 small onion ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots ⓘ
- 1 lb ground chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 lb medium mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz) cans Italian-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 cup frozen Italian-style green beans
- 1 cup frozen small white onions
- Chopped pitted ripe olives for garnish ⓘ
- Italian bread (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- Chop the bread into fine crumbs to make about 1 cup.
- Grate enough onion to yield 1 tablespoon.
- Finely shred carrots to make 1/2 cup.
- In a large bowl, mix bread crumbs, onion, shredded carrots, ground chicken, salt, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley.
- Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs using wet hands for easier shaping.
- Place meatballs in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, heat stewed tomatoes, green beans, and small white onions in a large pot.
- Add cooked meatballs to the tomato mixture and simmer if desired.
- Garnish with chopped pitted ripe olives before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Italian herbs to the meatball mixture. If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey can be a good substitute. To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check the labels on canned tomatoes and green beans. You can also use fresh vegetables if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken meatballs over whole wheat pasta or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also pair beautifully with Alfredo Sauce (Very Low-Fat) for a creamy twist. For a heartier option, serve with crusty Italian bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist, heating in short intervals until warmed through. They can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Meatballs contains roughly 576 calories, with 27g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (218% of the Daily Value), iron (172% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1345mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these chicken meatballs freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I use instead of ground chicken?
Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground chicken and can be used in the same quantity. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a meat substitute like crumbled tempeh or tofu, adjusting seasonings as necessary for flavor.
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
The meatballs are done when they are lightly browned on the outside and cooked through, which typically takes about 25 minutes at 400°F. For food safety, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).