Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a flavorful and healthy dish that combines juicy chicken meatballs with a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or on their own as a delicious appetizer!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, or 2 tablespoons dried)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Timing

Making Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Cook Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If desired, add red pepper flakes for heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve: Serve the baked chicken meatballs in tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or on their own. Garnish with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	30g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Sauce Variations: Use marinara sauce or a store-bought pasta sauce for a quicker option.
• Cheese Lovers: Add mozzarella cheese to the meatball mixture for a cheesy surprise inside!

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce are a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy this delightful recipe!