Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe combines tender ground chicken with savory tomato sauce and melted plant-based cheese, creating a quick, healthy, and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. The natural gelling agent ensures juicy, well-shaped meatballs without fuss, delivering comforting Italian flavors in one easy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 cup shredded plant-based parmesan cheese
For Baking
- Olive oil (natural) for greasing the baking tray
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs or almond flour, minced fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to maintain tenderness.
- Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands or a small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lightly greased with olive oil (natural) to prevent sticking.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce (natural) over each meatball, then top with shredded plant-based parmesan cheese for a melty finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs for approximately 25 minutes or until fully cooked and cheese is bubbly and golden. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid dense texture.
- Use a scoop for consistent-sized meatballs ensuring even cooking.
- Follow package instructions for the natural gelling agent for best results.
- Rest meatballs before serving to keep them juicy.
- Use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce (natural) to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Baked chicken meatballs, chicken parmesan, plant-based cheese, healthy meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, Italian comfort food
