Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs Flavorful Dinner Idea

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To make garlic herb chicken meatballs, gather these items: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying - Marinara sauce for serving (optional) When cooking, using fresh and high-quality ingredients matters. Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. Use real Parmesan cheese for richness. Choose good ground chicken with a bit of fat for moisture. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste, while dried herbs need to be fragrant. Always check the expiration dates on your spices. You can easily swap out some ingredients. If you have gluten issues, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute. If you want a leaner meat, ground turkey works well. Always adjust spices to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and an egg. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken. Next, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Chop the parsley and add it in. Then, mince the garlic and mix it into the bowl. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Finally, crack the egg into the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything until it is well blended. This step is key for great flavor. Once your chicken mixture is ready, it's time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture in your hands. Roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into meatballs. This step can be fun! You can make them bigger or smaller if you like, but keep them even in size for even cooking. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan and let it warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Do not overcrowd the skillet. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get a nice golden brown color. When they are cooked through, you can remove them from the skillet. If you want, let them drain on paper towels. You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or on top of spaghetti. Enjoy your flavorful dinner! You can cook these meatballs in different ways. Baking is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes. This method makes them crispy outside and tender inside. Grilling also works well. Use skewers to hold the meatballs. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. This adds a nice smoky flavor. To keep your meatballs moist, do not overmix the chicken. Just blend the ingredients until combined. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and keep meatballs soft. Use fresh parsley and garlic for flavor. These ingredients also hold moisture. Lastly, avoid cooking them too long. Check for doneness after 6-8 minutes. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some must-haves: - Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients. - Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for frying. - Spatula: Use this to flip the meatballs gently. - Baking sheet: If you choose to bake, you need one. - Meat thermometer: This helps check if the meatballs are done. These tools help you create perfect garlic herb chicken meatballs every time! Pro Tips Keep It Moist: To ensure your chicken meatballs remain juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and handle it gently when forming the balls. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the mixture for added depth of flavor. Cook Evenly: Make sure your meatballs are uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly. A standard cookie scoop can help with this. Batch Cooking: These meatballs freeze well. After cooking, let them cool and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for easy meal prep. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your meatballs by adding herbs and spices. For a zesty kick, try adding fresh basil or rosemary. These herbs can brighten up the taste. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. Just remember to start small; you can always add more if you want. Mixing in spices like paprika or cumin can give your meatballs a unique twist. Experiment with what you like! Veggies can make your meatballs even better. Finely chopped spinach or zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. Grated carrots can also sweeten the mix. You can sneak in more fiber this way. Just be sure to squeeze out extra moisture from the veggies. This step helps keep your meatballs firm. Adding vegetables makes the meal colorful and healthy. If you want to switch up the protein, ground turkey or beef works great, too. Turkey gives a lighter taste, while beef adds richness. You can use the same amount, just like with chicken. Each option has its own flavor, so choose what you love. This flexibility allows you to cater to different dietary needs. Remember to adjust cooking times if you use a different kind of meat. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze your garlic herb chicken meatballs, first cool them completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. Reheating meatballs is easy. You can use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place meatballs on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warm. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. Serve them with marinara sauce for extra flavor. Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey has a similar texture. It will also soak up the garlic and herbs well. Just make sure to check the cooking time. Ground turkey may cook a bit differently than chicken. You can make meatballs ahead of time easily. First, prepare the meatballs as the recipe says. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the meatballs for about one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready, cook them from frozen, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time. There are many great sides for garlic herb meatballs. Some tasty options include: - Spaghetti with marinara sauce - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - Mashed potatoes These sides will complement the flavors of the meatballs well. Choose what you like best! This post covered everything you need for delicious garlic herb meatballs. We looked at the best ingredients, key cooking steps, and useful tips. You can even explore fun variations and smart storage options. Remember, these meatballs can fit various diets and preferences. Your cooking journey can be simple, tasty, and satisfying. Enjoy these meatballs with your favorite sides and make mealtime fun!

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Want a simple, tasty dinner? Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs are your answer! Packed with flavor, these meatballs come together quickly and satisfy everyone at the table. In this post, I’ll share easy steps and helpful tips to make this meal shine. You’ll learn about key ingredients, cooking methods, and fun variations. Plus, I’ll cover storage and reheating so you can enjoy leftovers! Let’s make dinner exciting together!

Jump to Recipe

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Combination: The mix of garlic, herbs, and chicken creates a deliciously savory meatball that is sure to impress.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  3. Versatile Serving Options: Serve these meatballs with marinara, over spaghetti, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for any occasion.
  4. Healthy and Wholesome: Using ground chicken and fresh herbs ensures a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

To make garlic herb chicken meatballs, gather these items:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 large egg

– 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

– Marinara sauce for serving (optional)

Notes on Ingredient Quality

When cooking, using fresh and high-quality ingredients matters. Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. Use real Parmesan cheese for richness. Choose good ground chicken with a bit of fat for moisture. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste, while dried herbs need to be fragrant. Always check the expiration dates on your spices.

Substitutions for Allergies or Preferences

You can easily swap out some ingredients. If you have gluten issues, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute. If you want a leaner meat, ground turkey works well. Always adjust spices to fit your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Chicken Mixture

Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and an egg. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken. Next, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Chop the parsley and add it in. Then, mince the garlic and mix it into the bowl. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Finally, crack the egg into the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything until it is well blended. This step is key for great flavor.

Shaping the Meatballs

Once your chicken mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture in your hands. Roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into meatballs. This step can be fun! You can make them bigger or smaller if you like, but keep them even in size for even cooking.

Cooking the Meatballs in the Skillet

Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan and let it warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Do not overcrowd the skillet. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get a nice golden brown color. When they are cooked through, you can remove them from the skillet. If you want, let them drain on paper towels. You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or on top of spaghetti. Enjoy your flavorful dinner!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Method Alternatives (Baking, Grilling)

You can cook these meatballs in different ways. Baking is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes. This method makes them crispy outside and tender inside. Grilling also works well. Use skewers to hold the meatballs. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. This adds a nice smoky flavor.

How to Achieve Perfectly Moist Meatballs

To keep your meatballs moist, do not overmix the chicken. Just blend the ingredients until combined. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and keep meatballs soft. Use fresh parsley and garlic for flavor. These ingredients also hold moisture. Lastly, avoid cooking them too long. Check for doneness after 6-8 minutes.

Recommended Cooking Tools

Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some must-haves:

– Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients.

– Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for frying.

– Spatula: Use this to flip the meatballs gently.

– Baking sheet: If you choose to bake, you need one.

– Meat thermometer: This helps check if the meatballs are done.

These tools help you create perfect garlic herb chicken meatballs every time!

Pro Tips

  1. Keep It Moist: To ensure your chicken meatballs remain juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and handle it gently when forming the balls.
  2. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the mixture for added depth of flavor.
  3. Cook Evenly: Make sure your meatballs are uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly. A standard cookie scoop can help with this.
  4. Batch Cooking: These meatballs freeze well. After cooking, let them cool and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for easy meal prep.

Variations

Adding Different Herbs and Spices

You can change the flavor of your meatballs by adding herbs and spices. For a zesty kick, try adding fresh basil or rosemary. These herbs can brighten up the taste. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. Just remember to start small; you can always add more if you want. Mixing in spices like paprika or cumin can give your meatballs a unique twist. Experiment with what you like!

Incorporating Vegetables

Veggies can make your meatballs even better. Finely chopped spinach or zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. Grated carrots can also sweeten the mix. You can sneak in more fiber this way. Just be sure to squeeze out extra moisture from the veggies. This step helps keep your meatballs firm. Adding vegetables makes the meal colorful and healthy.

Alternative Protein Options (e.g., turkey, beef)

If you want to switch up the protein, ground turkey or beef works great, too. Turkey gives a lighter taste, while beef adds richness. You can use the same amount, just like with chicken. Each option has its own flavor, so choose what you love. This flexibility allows you to cater to different dietary needs. Remember to adjust cooking times if you use a different kind of meat.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

Freezing Instructions and Tips

To freeze your garlic herb chicken meatballs, first cool them completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months.

Reheating Guidelines

Reheating meatballs is easy. You can use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place meatballs on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warm. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. Serve them with marinara sauce for extra flavor.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey has a similar texture. It will also soak up the garlic and herbs well. Just make sure to check the cooking time. Ground turkey may cook a bit differently than chicken.

How can I make meatballs ahead of time?

You can make meatballs ahead of time easily. First, prepare the meatballs as the recipe says. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the meatballs for about one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, cook them from frozen, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time.

What are the best sides to serve with garlic herb meatballs?

There are many great sides for garlic herb meatballs. Some tasty options include:

– Spaghetti with marinara sauce

– A fresh green salad

– Garlic bread

– Steamed vegetables

– Mashed potatoes

These sides will complement the flavors of the meatballs well. Choose what you like best!

This post covered everything you need for delicious garlic herb meatballs. We looked at the best ingredients, key cooking steps, and useful tips. You can even explore fun variations and smart storage options. Remember, these meatballs can fit various diets and preferences. Your cooking journey can be simple, tasty, and satisfying. Enjoy these meatballs with your favorite sides and make mealtime fu

To make garlic herb chicken meatballs, gather these items: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying - Marinara sauce for serving (optional) When cooking, using fresh and high-quality ingredients matters. Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor. Use real Parmesan cheese for richness. Choose good ground chicken with a bit of fat for moisture. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste, while dried herbs need to be fragrant. Always check the expiration dates on your spices. You can easily swap out some ingredients. If you have gluten issues, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute. If you want a leaner meat, ground turkey works well. Always adjust spices to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and an egg. In a large bowl, add the ground chicken. Next, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Chop the parsley and add it in. Then, mince the garlic and mix it into the bowl. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Finally, crack the egg into the mixture. Use your hands to mix everything until it is well blended. This step is key for great flavor. Once your chicken mixture is ready, it's time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture in your hands. Roll it into a ball about one inch wide. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into meatballs. This step can be fun! You can make them bigger or smaller if you like, but keep them even in size for even cooking. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil to the pan and let it warm up. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Do not overcrowd the skillet. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the meatballs for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get a nice golden brown color. When they are cooked through, you can remove them from the skillet. If you want, let them drain on paper towels. You can serve them with marinara sauce for dipping or on top of spaghetti. Enjoy your flavorful dinner! You can cook these meatballs in different ways. Baking is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes. This method makes them crispy outside and tender inside. Grilling also works well. Use skewers to hold the meatballs. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning often. This adds a nice smoky flavor. To keep your meatballs moist, do not overmix the chicken. Just blend the ingredients until combined. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up moisture and keep meatballs soft. Use fresh parsley and garlic for flavor. These ingredients also hold moisture. Lastly, avoid cooking them too long. Check for doneness after 6-8 minutes. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here are some must-haves: - Large mixing bowl: For combining ingredients. - Skillet: A non-stick skillet works best for frying. - Spatula: Use this to flip the meatballs gently. - Baking sheet: If you choose to bake, you need one. - Meat thermometer: This helps check if the meatballs are done. These tools help you create perfect garlic herb chicken meatballs every time! Pro Tips Keep It Moist: To ensure your chicken meatballs remain juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture and handle it gently when forming the balls. Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice to the mixture for added depth of flavor. Cook Evenly: Make sure your meatballs are uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly. A standard cookie scoop can help with this. Batch Cooking: These meatballs freeze well. After cooking, let them cool and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for easy meal prep. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your meatballs by adding herbs and spices. For a zesty kick, try adding fresh basil or rosemary. These herbs can brighten up the taste. If you love heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. Just remember to start small; you can always add more if you want. Mixing in spices like paprika or cumin can give your meatballs a unique twist. Experiment with what you like! Veggies can make your meatballs even better. Finely chopped spinach or zucchini adds moisture and nutrients. Grated carrots can also sweeten the mix. You can sneak in more fiber this way. Just be sure to squeeze out extra moisture from the veggies. This step helps keep your meatballs firm. Adding vegetables makes the meal colorful and healthy. If you want to switch up the protein, ground turkey or beef works great, too. Turkey gives a lighter taste, while beef adds richness. You can use the same amount, just like with chicken. Each option has its own flavor, so choose what you love. This flexibility allows you to cater to different dietary needs. Remember to adjust cooking times if you use a different kind of meat. To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To freeze your garlic herb chicken meatballs, first cool them completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour until firm. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. Reheating meatballs is easy. You can use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, place meatballs on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes until warm. For the oven, preheat to 350°F. Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. Serve them with marinara sauce for extra flavor. Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken. Ground turkey has a similar texture. It will also soak up the garlic and herbs well. Just make sure to check the cooking time. Ground turkey may cook a bit differently than chicken. You can make meatballs ahead of time easily. First, prepare the meatballs as the recipe says. After shaping them, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the meatballs for about one hour. Once firm, transfer them to a bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready, cook them from frozen, adding a few more minutes to the cooking time. There are many great sides for garlic herb meatballs. Some tasty options include: - Spaghetti with marinara sauce - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables - Mashed potatoes These sides will complement the flavors of the meatballs well. Choose what you like best! This post covered everything you need for delicious garlic herb meatballs. We looked at the best ingredients, key cooking steps, and useful tips. You can even explore fun variations and smart storage options. Remember, these meatballs can fit various diets and preferences. Your cooking journey can be simple, tasty, and satisfying. Enjoy these meatballs with your favorite sides and make mealtime fun!

Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs flavored with garlic and herbs, perfect for serving with marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
  • 1 serving Marinara sauce for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
  • Using your hands, shape the chicken mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
  • Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain on paper towels if desired.
  • Serve the meatballs drizzled with marinara sauce for dipping or over spaghetti for a complete meal.

Notes

Serve with marinara sauce or over spaghetti for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, garlic, herbs, meatballs

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