Description
Tender and juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. These Healthier Chicken Meatballs In Marinara Sauce deliver classic comfort with a lighter twist, perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely grated onion
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into about 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in a single layer and sear for 5 to 7 minutes, turning gently until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs briefly from the pan. In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover partially, and simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving and serve warm.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Cook over medium heat to prevent drying out the chicken.
- Internal temperature should reach 75 degrees Celsius for safe cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
