Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 4 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Marinara Sauce
- Marinara sauce (quantity as desired for serving and keeping warm)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400º F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, lightly beaten egg, grated garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. This size helps them cook evenly and retain moisture during baking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, evenly spaced to allow heat circulation. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until fully cooked through and lightly browned.
- Warm with Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs into a crockpot or large pot along with your marinara sauce. Heat them together on the warm setting to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful until serving time.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Using a baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easier.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness based on your preference.
- Serve with pasta, on a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
