Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
These tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich garlic and herb tomato sauce make a comforting and wholesome weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- •1 pound ground chicken (450g)
- •1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (40g)
- •1 large egg
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- •1 medium yellow onion, diced
- •2 cloves garlic, sliced
- •1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz / 800g)
- •1 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- •Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, half of the salt, and black pepper, mixing gently with your hands just until incorporated.
- 2
Roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, yielding about 16 to 18 meatballs.
- 3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- 4
Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 4 to 5 minutes, then transfer them to a plate.
- 5
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and soft.
- 6
Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- 7
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the dried oregano, and season with the remaining salt.
- 8
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then return the meatballs and any juices from the plate back into the sauce.
- 9
Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- 10
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra tender meatballs, handle the ground chicken as little as possible when mixing.
- You can freeze the cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Serve over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features tender, savory chicken meatballs enveloped in a vibrant, fragrant tomato sauce that is rich in garlic and herbs.