Italian Herb Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Indulge in the savory flavors of Italy with these delectable Italian Herb Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these low-carb meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, fresh herbs, and a blend of rich cheeses for an irresistible taste. Served with a side of pizza sauce for dunking, they make a wonderful snack or a light lunch option that everyone will love. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these meatballs are great for meal prep or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground chicken
1 lb (raw, uncooked)
egg whites
2 (whisked)
breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (plain or low-carb)
parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (grated)
pizza sauce
3 tablespoons (for mixing, plus extra for dipping)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic powder
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
mozzarella cheese
1/2-3/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a large baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg whites, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, three tablespoons of pizza sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well incorporated, ensuring that the spices and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
3
Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese, being careful not to overmix the chicken mixture.
4
Using your hands, shape the mixture into 24 small meatballs, approximately the size of a ping pong ball. Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them for even cooking.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
6
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm with additional pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful and low-carb Chicken Parmesan meatballs!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is 1 lb of ground chicken.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many meatballs does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 24 small meatballs.
How long do the meatballs need to bake?
Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
Is this Italian Herb Chicken Parmesan Meatball recipe low-carb?
Yes, this recipe is considered low-carb, especially if you use low-carb breadcrumbs as suggested.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The meatballs should be shaped into small rounds approximately the size of a ping pong ball.
What dipping sauce is recommended for these meatballs?
It is recommended to serve these meatballs with pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
You can either spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses both grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Do I use whole eggs or just egg whites?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 whisked egg whites.
What herbs and spices provide the Italian flavor?
The Italian flavor comes from a blend of Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Is pizza sauce added directly to the meat mixture?
Yes, three tablespoons of pizza sauce are mixed directly into the chicken mixture before baking.
What is the best way to mix in the mozzarella cheese?
You should gently fold in the shredded mozzarella cheese to avoid overmixing the chicken mixture.
Can these meatballs be used for meal prep?
Yes, these meatballs are excellent for meal prep and can be served as a snack or a light lunch.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use for a low-carb version?
The recipe suggests using plain or specifically low-carb breadcrumbs.
How much garlic powder is used?
You should use between 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, according to your taste.
Should the meatballs be served hot or cold?
They are best served warm, shortly after cooling slightly from the oven.
Can I serve these as an appetizer for a party?
Absolutely, these are described as a crowd-pleasing appetizer and a great snack option.
Is the chicken used raw or pre-cooked when mixing?
The ground chicken should be raw and uncooked when you begin mixing the ingredients.
How much Italian seasoning is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning.
How should the meatballs be arranged on the baking sheet?
Place them on the sheet with some space between them to ensure even cooking.
Are these meatballs family-friendly?
Yes, they are tagged as family-friendly and are designed to be a flavor profile that everyone will love.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be grated before being added to the mixture.
What is the suggested serving size?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed, the recipe produces 24 small meatballs intended as a light lunch or appetizer.
Does this recipe contain onion?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder rather than fresh onions.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
While the recipe specifies ground chicken, ground turkey is a common lean substitute that would likely work well.
Are the breadcrumbs seasoned?
The recipe calls for plain breadcrumbs, as the flavor is added through the Italian seasoning and other spices.
What gives the meatballs their golden color?
Baking them for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees allows them to become golden and lightly browned.