Pesto Chicken Meatballs
Pesto Chicken Meatballs are juicy, oven-baked meatballs made with ground chicken and basil pesto for a flavorful, herby dish perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, pesto, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form mixture into 1½-inch balls and place evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken.
- Add chopped spinach for extra nutrients and color.
- Serve with pasta, marinara, or additional pesto for dipping.
- Make gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- Stuff with mozzarella for a cheesy center.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pesto-chicken-meatballs/
