Print

Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Chicken Zucchini Meatballs are a healthier, flavorful alternative to traditional meatballs, combining lean ground chicken with the freshness of zucchini for a tender and juicy bite. These meatballs are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a light meal or snack.

Ingredients

  1. 1 lb ground chicken
  2. 1 medium zucchini, grated and excess water squeezed out
  3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  4. 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version)
  5. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  6. 1 large egg
  7. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  8. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  10. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  11. 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini and squeeze out the excess moisture using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
  2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but don’t overmix.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
  4. Bake the Meatballs: Drizzle or spray the meatballs with olive oil for crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  5. Serve: Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving. Serve with marinara sauce and pasta, on a sandwich, or as a healthy appetizer with a dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. For a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  2. To make the meatballs spicier, add red pepper flakes to the mixture.
  3. For added flavor, substitute Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or mozzarella.

Nutrition