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Chicken Pesto Meatballs Recipe

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4.4 from 2 reviews

These Chicken Pesto Meatballs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining ground chicken with aromatic basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. Perfectly cooked either by baking or pan-frying, they make a versatile meal served alongside pasta, vegetables, or enjoyed on their own.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound ground chicken

For Cooking (Optional)

  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (if pan-frying)

Instructions

  1. Mix the base ingredients: In a large bowl, combine minced shallot, Panko breadcrumbs, basil pesto, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Use a fork to mix these ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
  2. Add the ground chicken: Add the ground chicken to the bowl. Gently fold the breadcrumb mixture through the meat using a fork, mixing carefully to distribute ingredients evenly without overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Scoop the mixture into 1 to 2 tablespoon portions. Roll each portion gently between slightly damp hands to form smooth, even meatballs. Alternatively, leave them in a rustic shape if preferred.
  4. Bake the meatballs (optional): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meatballs are cooked through.
  5. Pan-fry the meatballs (optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a batch of meatballs, cooking for 6-10 minutes total, turning every few minutes to brown evenly on most sides. Allow them to cook thoroughly and release easily from the pan before turning to avoid sticking. Repeat with remaining meatballs as needed.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Serve the chicken pesto meatballs as desired—paired with pasta, vegetables, or in bowls. Enjoy the flavorful and tender meatballs fresh from the pan or oven!

Notes

  • For best texture, avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • If baking, use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Using slightly damp hands helps prevent sticking when shaping meatballs.
  • Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the level of heat to your preference.
  • Ground chicken breast or thigh can be used; thigh provides a moister meatball.
  • Olive oil is optional if you choose to bake instead of pan-frying.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/chicken-pesto-meatballs-recipe/