Chicken Meatballs In Marinara Sauce

Name: How to make meatballs that are both healthy and delicious
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup half and half; 1/2 bunch italian parsley, minced; 4 large eggs, slightly beaten; 5 pound ground chicken; 2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 2 teaspoon granulated onion; 10 ounce grated parmesan, plus more for serving (optional); salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, season to taste with dried oregano, basil, garlic and onion powder; 2 quarts marinara sauce, prepared or homemade; 2 cup water; ricotta cheese, for serving (optional); fresh basil, for serving (optional)

The Daily Meal Staff|Feb. 28, 2021 8:45 pm EST

4.5 (2 ratings)

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These delicious chicken meatballs are lighter than traditional pork and ground beef varieties, but they don't sacrifice a bit of flavor or texture. Serve them over cooked pasta or spaghetti squash.This recipe is from Executive Chef Patrick Delay of Prezzo in Boca Raton, Florida, and was originally published in the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Prep Time

30

minutes

Cook Time

40

minutes

Servings

8

Chicken Meatballs in Marinara Sauce - The Daily Meal

Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup half and half
1/2 bunch italian parsley, minced
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
5 pound ground chicken
2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 teaspoon granulated onion
10 ounce grated parmesan, plus more for serving (optional)
salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup plain breadcrumbs, season to taste with dried oregano, basil, garlic and onion powder
2 quarts marinara sauce, prepared or homemade
2 cup water
ricotta cheese, for serving (optional)
fresh basil, for serving (optional)

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup half and half, 1/2 bunch minced Italian parsley, 4 large eggs (slightly beaten), 5 pounds ground chicken, 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons granulated onion and 10 ounces grated Parmesan (optional). Mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Step 2: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (seasoned to taste with dried oregano, basil, garlic and onion powder) to incorporate. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and place mixture in refrigerator, allowing to rest for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat oven to 350 F. Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, form mixture into 2-ounce balls and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until set, about 10 minutes.
Step 4: To a large saucepan over medium-low heat, add 2 quarts marinara sauce and 2 cups water. Add the meatballs and slowly simmer until cooked through, about 30 minutes.
Step 5: To serve, place meatballs in a serving bowl and top with marinara sauce. Garnish with a scoop of ricotta, grated Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired. Alternatively, serve meatballs and marinara over cooked pasta or spaghetti squash.