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