Pesto Chicken Meatballs Recipe: Juicy Weeknight Magic

Zesty pesto chicken meatballs bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with remarkable flair.

These succulent protein-packed spheres revamp ordinary weeknight meals into culinary adventures.

Italian-inspired seasonings dance beautifully within each tender morsel, creating an irresistible combination of herbs and lean protein.

Bright green herbs infuse every bite with remarkable depth and complexity that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Perfectly balanced spices elevate these meatballs beyond typical ground meat preparations, promising a meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

Crafting these delectable morsels requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction for hungry families and enthusiastic home cooks.

Each meatball represents a perfect harmony of nutrition and incredible taste that will leave everyone craving seconds.

Flavor Highlights of Pesto Chicken Meatballs

• Burst with Herbal Freshness: Pesto infuses these chicken meatballs with vibrant basil and garlic flavors, creating a zesty twist on traditional meatballs that elevates the entire dish.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Win: This recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Healthier Protein Packed Option: Choosing ground chicken instead of beef provides a leaner protein source that doesn't compromise on taste, giving health-conscious food lovers a guilt-free dinner solution.
• One-Pan Convenience: Baking the meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, allowing you to enjoy a delectable meal without the hassle of multiple dirty dishes.

Pesto Chicken Meatballs Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base with mild flavor, choose fresh and low-fat for better texture.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps hold meatballs together, ensures smooth consistency.

• Pesto: Classic Italian sauce that adds herbal and cheesy notes, provides moisture and depth of flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the chicken's natural taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture, creates light and tender meatball texture, prevents dense and heavy results.

Step-by-Step Guide for Pesto Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Position the rack in the top third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.

Step 2: Gather Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Pesto sauce
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Mix Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Use a fork to gently blend the components until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and light.

Step 4: Shape Meatball Delights

Carefully form the meat mixture into 20 perfectly rounded meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring some space between each one for even cooking.

Tips to Perfect Pesto Chicken Meatballs

• Gentle Mixing Magic: Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy, using a light touch with a fork.
• Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
• Pesto Power: Choose a high-quality, fresh pesto for maximum flavor and aromatic impact in your chicken meatballs.
• Spacing Technique: Leave enough room between meatballs on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, promoting even browning and crispness.
• Moisture Preservation: Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain internal juices and prevent dryness.

Keeping and Reheating Pesto Chicken Meatballs

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and flavorful.
• Freeze: Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, where they'll stay delicious for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through, ensuring they remain juicy and tender.

Best Pairings for Pesto Chicken Meatballs

• Slice and Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve these pesto chicken meatballs atop warm, toasted ciabatta or sourdough slices to soak up the delicious pesto flavors and add a delightful crunch.
• Pour a Crisp White Wine: Complement the herbal pesto notes with a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, which will refresh the palate and balance the richness of the meatballs.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to cut through the meatballs' richness and add a bright, zesty contrast to the dish.
• Drizzle Extra Pesto Sauce: Enhance the meatballs by adding a generous drizzle of additional homemade or store-bought pesto, amplifying the basil and garlic flavors throughout the entire meal.

Fun Variations on Pesto Chicken Meatballs

• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Replace pesto with a blend of chopped fresh oregano, thyme, and parsley for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Sundried Tomato Chicken Meatballs: Swap pesto with chopped sundried tomatoes and add red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Cheesy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs: Mix in grated parmesan cheese and additional Italian herbs to enhance the savory richness of the meatballs.
• Garlic Spinach Chicken Meatballs: Incorporate finely chopped spinach and minced garlic into the mixture for extra nutrients and depth of flavor.

Pesto Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Italian-inspired pesto chicken meatballs bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Herb-infused and tender, these meatballs offer a delightful twist that elevates simple protein into a memorable culinary experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken, preferably dark meat

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• ⅔ cup (55 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) basil pesto, store-bought or homemade

Seasoning:

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Serving Options:

• Additional basil pesto or warmed marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Gather all culinary tools: a spacious mixing bowl, parchment-lined baking sheet, and fork for gentle blending.
2. Preheat the culinary environment to a robust 400°F, positioning the oven rack in the upper third section for optimal heat circulation.
3. In a generously sized mixing vessel, combine ground chicken with herbaceous pesto, crisp breadcrumbs, whisked egg, and delicate seasoning of salt and pepper.
4. Utilize a fork to tenderly incorporate ingredients, ensuring minimal manipulation to maintain a light, airy texture.
5. Gently craft uniform spherical morsels, approximately 1½ inches in diameter, using careful rolling techniques between palms.
6. Strategically arrange meatballs across the parchment-covered baking sheet, providing adequate spacing to promote even roasting and prevent unwanted merging.
7. Transfer the prepared tray into the preheated oven, allowing the succulent chicken meatballs to transform into golden, aromatic delicacies.

Notes

• Meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, making them perfect for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
• Use fresh pesto for maximum flavor, but store-bought works well if homemade isn’t available.
• Gently mix ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatballs – light mixing keeps them tender and juicy.
• Internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Swap ground chicken with turkey for similar texture and protein-packed results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 85mg