Best 7 Zesty Chicken Meatballs Recipes

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**Kickstart your culinary journey with a flavor-packed adventure as we present Zesty Chicken Meatballs, an irresistible dish that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. These delectable meatballs, bursting with succulent chicken and a symphony of zesty herbs and spices, are a true testament to the culinary arts. Whether you're hosting a lively party, seeking a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a satisfying meal, this recipe collection has something for every occasion and palate. Embark on a culinary expedition with our diverse range of Zesty Chicken Meatball recipes, each offering a unique twist on this classic dish.**

**Dive into the tantalizing flavors of our Classic Zesty Chicken Meatballs, where juicy chicken meatballs are enveloped in a vibrant sauce alive with zesty herbs and a hint of citrus. For a tantalizing twist, try our Asian-Inspired Zesty Chicken Meatballs, where aromatic ginger, garlic, and soy sauce create an harmonious blend of Eastern flavors. If you're seeking a healthier option, our Baked Zesty Chicken Meatballs offer a crispy crust and a succulent interior, without compromising on taste. And for those with dietary restrictions, our Gluten-Free Zesty Chicken Meatballs provide a delicious and inclusive dining experience.**

**Elevate your culinary skills with our Zesty Chicken Meatball Subs, a sandwich sensation that combines tender chicken meatballs, a tangy sauce, and a variety of fresh toppings, all nestled in a soft, fluffy bun. Our Zesty Chicken Meatball Soup warms the soul on chilly evenings, featuring an aromatic broth brimming with tender meatballs, vegetables, and a burst of zesty flavors. And for a delightful appetizer or party snack, our Zesty Chicken Meatball Skewers offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, sure to be a hit among your guests.**

**No matter your culinary expertise or dietary preferences, our Zesty Chicken Meatballs collection has something to satisfy every craving. Embark on this flavor-filled journey and discover the endless possibilities of this versatile dish. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and create memories that will last a lifetime with every bite of these delectable Zesty Chicken Meatballs.**

Let's cook with our recipes!

BAKED SPICY CHICKEN MEATBALLS (WITH THAI SWEET CHILI PEANUT SAUCE!)



Baked Spicy Chicken Meatballs (with Thai Sweet Chili Peanut Sauce!) image

These Baked Spicy Chicken Meatballs are easy to make, healthy, and loaded with flavor! They're also extremely juicy, great for meal prep, and are a fantastic party appetizer when tossed in a sticky, sweet and spicy Thai Sweet Chili Peanut Sauce!

Provided by Lavina

Categories     Appetizer

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 17

480 - 500 grams / 1.1 pounds Ground Chicken
¾ - 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (use Ian's Original Panko Breadcrumbs for gluten-free)
1 Large Egg
½ Red Onion - small chopped
6 Garlic Cloves - finely minced
2-4 Red Chilies, to taste - finely minced
2 TBLS fresh Flat-leaf Parsley - finely chopped
1 TBLS fresh Coriander - finely chopped
½ TSP Kosher Salt
1 TSP freshly cracked Black Pepper
½ TSP ground Cayenne (optional), to taste
1 TBLS Low Sodium Soy Sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
1 TBLS Olive Oil, plus more for rubbing on hands to roll balls more easily
3 TBLS Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (I like Mae Ploy's)
2 TSP Low Sodium Soy Sauce (or gluten-free soy sauce)
1 TBLS Smooth Peanut Butter (I use Skippy's)
½-1 TSP Crushed Red Chili Pepper Flakes (optional), to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or nonstick cooking paper and lightly brush with olive oil.
  • Combine all the ingredients for the Baked Spicy Chicken Meatballs in a large mixing bowl. Mix and roll into 28-30 balls, lining them up on the foil in rows as you go. (Note: The mixture can get a little sticky to deal: rub your palms and fingers with a little olive oil before you start rolling into balls and during as needed.)
  • Bake for 28-30 minutes.
  • Enjoy in pastas, submarine sandwiches, or toss them in your favorite sauce and serve as an appetizer!
  • You can make this sauce while the chicken meatballs are in the oven. Combine all the ingredients in a measuring cup or medium sized bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
  • Once the chicken meatballs are baked, cool for 5-10 minutes. Then place a medium sized nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and spoon a few tablespoons of the sauce on them. Toss until fully coated with the sauce and then switch off the heat.
  • Serve as an appetizer with extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 Chicken Meatballs with Thai Sweet Chili Peanut Sauce, Calories 231 calories, Sugar 4.6g, Sodium 410.1, Fat 10.4g, SaturatedFat 2.5g, UnsaturatedFat 7g, TransFat 0g, Carbohydrate 18.4g, Fiber 1.7g, Protein 16.6g, Cholesterol 85.5mg

FIRECRACKER CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Firecracker Chicken Meatballs image

This is my favorite way to eat chicken meatballs. They're spiced up with a sweet, savory, and spicy firecracker sauce. They're tender, filled with flavor, and require minimum work!

Provided by Marzia

Categories     30 Minute Meals

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ¾ - 2 pounds ground chicken (or turkey)
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs*
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ cup hot sauce (I recommend Franks)
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon salt
¼-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (depending on spice preference)

Steps:

  • Position 2 racks near the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 475ºF. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
  • In a saucepan, combine the ingredients of the firecracker sauce over medium high heat, allow to come to a boil, reduce the heat so it simmers. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools so don't worry if it looks thin.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic, salt pepper, eggs, panko, paprika, and onion powder. Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together. It's easier to tell when he ingredients are combined when using hands. DO NOT OVERMIX, it will result in drier meatballs.
  • Shape the meat mixture into ball, about 3 tablespoons of meat per ball. You can also do this with an ice cream scoop. Place shaped meatballs on prepared baking sheet. bake for 11-13 minutes or until the meatballs are completely cooked.
  • Using 2 tablespoon, dip each individual meatball into the sauce. Alternately, you can brush each meatball with the sauce. Place back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 1-2 minutes. Drizzle or brush with additional sauce as desired.

BAKED CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Baked Chicken Meatballs image

The BEST healthy baked chicken meatballs with spinach. Made in the oven, serve these easy chicken meatballs with pasta, zoodles, or sandwich rolls.

Provided by Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Categories     Appetizer     Main Course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 large egg
1 pound ground chicken ((I like 93% lean))
1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated )
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste (divided)
3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped )
2 1/2 cups fresh spinach (lightly packed )
Tomato sauce
Cooked whole wheat pasta, zucchini, or other vegetable noodles
Buns (for sandwiches)
Toothpicks (to serve as an appetizer)

Steps:

  • Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Beat the egg in the bottom of a large bowl. Add the chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Finely chop the spinach so that it is in small bits, then add it to the bowl.
  • With a fork or your hands, mix until well combined, being careful not to compact the meat.
  • Shape the mixture into 12 meatballs and arrange them in the prepared baking dish, 1-inch apart, so they do not touch.
  • Whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste in a small bowl. It won't be perfectly smooth but will bake up just fine. Brush over the top of the meatballs.
  • Bake the meatballs in the upper third of the oven for 18 to 22 minutes until cooked through. Serve hot with pasta, zucchini noodles, inside a hoagie bun, or any way you choose!

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 meatball (without pasta or additional sauce), Calories 107 kcal, Carbohydrate 3 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 7 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fiber 1 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, TransFat 1 g, Sugar 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g

CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Chicken Meatballs image

These ground chicken meatballs are moist & juicy. Serve with pasta, as an appetizer, or in soup!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Appetizer     Chicken     Dinner     Main Course     Party Food

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1 egg
3 tablespoons parsley (fresh, chopped)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon dried basil and oregano dried (each)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix just until combined.
  • Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Divide and roll meat mixture into 1″ meatballs (24 meatballs) and place on baking pan.
  • Bake for 20-22 minutes or just until cooked. (Do not overbake)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 44 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 4 g, Fat 2 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Sodium 89 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SPICY CHICKEN CURRY MEATBALLS



Spicy Chicken Curry Meatballs image

A tasty take on chicken tikka masala. Serve over warm rice or with naan! Don't let the number of spices scare you off, the flavor of this dish is complex and satisfying.

Provided by SunnyDaysNora

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatball Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 31

1 serving cooking spray
1 pound ground chicken
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons minced onion
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon curry powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ cups diced onions
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 (15 ounce) jar tomato sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup water
3 tablespoons salted butter

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
  • Mix ground chicken, bread crumbs, olive oil, onion, ginger paste, garlic, curry powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Roll mixture into thirty 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and ginger paste; saute until onions become soft, about 5 minutes. Add sugar, garam masala, cumin, ginger, curry powder, cinnamon, chicken bouillon, paprika, cayenne, turmeric, onion powder, and salt; stir to combine. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and water. Cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Add butter and stir to melt.
  • Cook sauce over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir cooked meatballs into the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 486.4 calories, Carbohydrate 32.2 g, Cholesterol 113.5 mg, Fat 32.2 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 14.7 g, Sodium 1029 mg, Sugar 8.8 g

SPICY CHICKEN MEATBALLS WITH ARRABBIATA SAUCE



Spicy Chicken Meatballs with Arrabbiata Sauce image

This dish was inspired by R+D Kitchen and Milo + Olive, two of my favorite local spots in Santa Monica. Their chicken meatballs in tomato sauce are light but with a bit of heat and served without a strand of spaghetti in sight. Instead, they are ladled over arugula. For my version, I pair my spicy chicken meatballs with an equally spicy tomato sauce: Arrabbiata, which means "angry" in Italian. With fresh basil, bitter arugula, pungent red onion and a little Parm, this dish is perfect by itself, but if you want to push it into hearty territory, serve it over some spaghetti. Pile any leftovers onto an Italian roll for an epic sandwich the next day. Enjoy!

Provided by Claire Thomas : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings as a main course or 4 to 6 as an appetizer

Number Of Ingredients 27

1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs
1/2 cup finely chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground dark meat chicken
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
Olive oil, for cooking
2 cups Arrabbiata Sauce (recipe follows), heated
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
1 bunch arugula (about 6 ounces)
1/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
1 teaspoon tomato paste
1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup thinly sliced basil leaves
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the meatballs: Mix together the breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, oregano, tomato paste, cayenne, paprika, parsley, Parmesan and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl; add the chicken, milk and egg. Gently blend together with your fingertips, then form into 2-inch balls. Don't compact the meatballs too much or they'll be dense and dry.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a few tablespoons of olive oil to coat. Add the meatballs and cook until a deep golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each of their 4 sides. It's OK if they're not fully cooked through, as they'll finish cooking in the sauce. (If you're not cooking them in the sauce, then cook the meatballs over medium heat until cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side.)
  • For serving: Pour the hot Arrabbiata into the skillet with the meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and cook until the meatballs are fully cooked through, 7 to 10 minutes.
  • Top with the red onions and Parmesan, then ladle over a handful of arugula in each serving bowl. Garnish with the basil and enjoy!
  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste and wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the alcohol has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the basil and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
  • Blend the sauce with an immersion blender (or in 2 batches in a blender) until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Makes about 4 cups. Refrigerate any leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

MOROCCAN-SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS



Moroccan-Spiced Chicken Meatballs image

Chicken meatballs may not be a traditionally Moroccan dish, but they work beautifully when spiced with paprika, cumin, cinnamon, ginger and garlic, which are commonly found in the country's cuisine. Whole-milk yogurt does double duty here: It's used to make the meatballs moist and tender, and makes for a speedy sauce to serve with them. Don't use ground chicken made with ultralean breasts; look for labels that show a mix of white and dark meat. (Or if you're feeling ambitious, grind your own boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the food processor.) Serve the meatballs with couscous and a green vegetable for a flavorful weeknight dinner that's well worth the effort.

Provided by Lidey Heuck

Categories     dinner, weekday, poultry, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 1/3 cups plain whole-milk yogurt
1 tablespoon, plus 1 teaspoon minced or grated garlic (about 4 cloves)
2 teaspoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound ground chicken (not 100 percent breast meat)
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for frying
1 teaspoon light brown or granulated sugar
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)

Steps:

  • First, make the yogurt sauce: Combine 1 cup of the yogurt, 1 teaspoon of the garlic, the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste in a small bowl. Mix well, and chill until ready to use.
  • Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup yogurt, remaining 1 tablespoon garlic, chicken, panko, egg, parsley, olive oil, sugar, paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few generous grinds of black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly, until incorporated. Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, form meatballs about 1 1/2-inches in diameter, then place them on a plate or sheet pan until ready to use.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1/8-inch olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the meatballs in batches, flipping occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. (If the meatballs begin browning too quickly or the oil begins smoking, lower the heat.) Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • To serve, spread the yogurt sauce in an even layer on a flat platter. Arrange the meatballs on top, and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and the pine nuts, if using. Serve hot.

Tips:

  • Mise en Place: Before starting, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured. This streamlines the cooking process and prevents scrambling during cooking.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Prioritize using fresh ingredients, especially for herbs and spices, as they deliver vibrant flavors. If using dried herbs, adjust the quantity to match the intensity of fresh herbs.
  • Season Well: Don't be shy with seasonings. Taste the meatball mixture before cooking to ensure it's adequately seasoned. Adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Properly Mix the Meatball Mixture: Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly to combine. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
  • Chill the Meatball Mixture: Chilling the meatball mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and firms up the mixture, making it easier to handle and shape.
  • Shape the Meatballs Evenly: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the meatballs into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking.
  • Brown the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs before simmering adds depth of flavor and prevents them from becoming dry during the simmering process.
  • Use a Flavorful Simmering Liquid: The liquid used for simmering the meatballs should complement their flavors. Choose a broth or sauce that enhances the taste of the meatballs.
  • Simmer Gently: Simmer the meatballs gently to prevent them from toughening. A gentle simmer maintains the tenderness of the meatballs while allowing the flavors to develop.
  • Serve Warm: Serve the meatballs warm to enjoy their best flavor and texture. They can be served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal.

Conclusion:

Creating flavorful and juicy zesty chicken meatballs requires careful attention to detail and a blend of fresh ingredients and aromatic seasonings. By following the tips mentioned above, you can elevate your chicken meatball game and impress your friends and family with a delightful dish that tantalizes taste buds. Remember to experiment with different herbs, spices, and simmering liquids to create unique flavor combinations that suit your preferences. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal, these zesty chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

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