Description
Discover how to make delicious and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs! This recipe combines ground chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, feta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs for a flavorful and easy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground chicken, or ground turkey
- ¼ cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- â…“ cup sun dried tomatoes, packed in oil, chopped
- ¼ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
- Squeeze of lemon, optional
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Getting Ready to Bake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can lightly spray the baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine the Meatball Ingredients: Building the Flavorful Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken (or turkey), whole wheat panko breadcrumbs, egg, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Well: Use a spoon, or your hands, to mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Tip: Using your hands is often the best way to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Forming Uniform Portions
- Scoop Meatballs: Using a small to medium cookie scoop (about 1.2 tablespoon size is recommended) or a spoon, scoop out portions of the meatball mixture.
- Shape into Balls: Roll each portion between your palms to form a 2-inch sized ball.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Tip: You should get about 18 meatballs from this recipe.
4. Bake to Perfection: Achieving Golden-Brown and Juicy Meatballs
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
- Baking Time: Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The meatballs are done when they are lightly browned on the outside and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy: The Finishing Touches
- Squeeze Lemon (Optional): If desired, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the cooked meatballs for an extra burst of brightness and flavor.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs hot.