Green Chicken Meatballs

These Green Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. With a mix of ground chicken, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese, they’re full of flavor while remaining light and nutritious. Whether served as an appetizer, over pasta, or as a sandwich filling, these meatballs are versatile and sure to be a hit at any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Olive oil, for cooking

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, green onions, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
2. Shape the Meatballs: With your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. You should be able to make around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (about 10-12 minutes). You may need to cook the meatballs in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and serve them hot. Enjoy them on their own, with a side of marinara sauce, or atop a salad or pasta.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 27 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

• Spicy Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a mixture of ground almonds to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Herb Variations: You can substitute the parsley and green onions with other fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme for different flavor profiles.
• Baked Meatballs: If you prefer to bake your meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over low heat for 5-7 minutes, or heat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes, ground turkey would work well as a substitute for ground chicken.
2. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
   You can check by cutting one meatball in half; if the meat is no longer pink in the center, they are fully cooked.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I freeze these meatballs?
   Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw overnight and heat as usual.
5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. What can I serve these meatballs with?
   These meatballs are great served with marinara sauce and spaghetti, on a salad, or in a sandwich with a bit of aioli.
7. Can I use a meatball maker or scooper for shaping?
   Absolutely! You can use a meatball scooper or melon baller to shape the meatballs for consistent sizes.
8. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
   The recipe is not gluten-free as it includes breadcrumbs, but you can easily swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
9. Can I add cheese to the meatball mixture?
   Yes, you can mix in some shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese of your choice for added flavor.
10. Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker?
    Yes, you can cook these meatballs in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours if you want a hands-off cooking method.

Conclusion

Green Chicken Meatballs are an easy, flavorful dish that offers a great balance of savory and fresh ingredients. With the health benefits of lean chicken and the brightness of parsley and green onions, these meatballs are a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. They’re quick to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Whether served on their own or as part of a larger meal, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Print