Healthy Saucy Chicken Meatballs

Kids love this healthy meatball recipe, made with ground chicken and hidden vegetables. These healthy saucy chicken meatballs are great over pasta, spaghetti squash or zoodles plus it’s an easy ground chicken recipe.

Vegans and vegetarians aside, there has never been — in the history of the world —  anyone – ever – to say, “no, thanks, I don’t like meatballs.”    And it won’t start here.  I know they’re “Healthy Saucy Chicken Meatballs” but don’t let that “healthy” moniker sway you on these tender, juicy, easy-to-make orbs.

Yes, they’re healthier than the standard pork-veal-beef blends.  That’s because I use ground chicken breast for these meatballs.   Since chicken breast can lean toward the dry-side, this recipe uses fresh vegetables to add moistness and a softer texture, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some veg to your kids’ diet if they happen to be vegetable averse.

Shredded zucchini is my “veg-o-choice” augmented with onions, garlic and a pinch of red pepper flake for tingle.   This blend makes a great binder for the meatballs.

Fresh breadcrumbs (I used whole wheat),  dried herbs and a whole egg round out the mix.  A wooden spoon or your clean hands are the best tools for mixing the ground chicken with the other ingredients and forming the chicken mince balls.

Use a tablespoon to measure out roughly equal portions of the healthy ground chicken mixture and roll them into balls.

Here’s A Tip On Rolling Meatballs:

• Keep a small bowl of water at your workstation and wet your hands before rolling the meatballs.  This will prevent them from sticking and you’ll have an easier time forming them.

Place the meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet sprayed with vegetable spray, so they don’t stick.

Bake the healthy chicken balls for 18 to 20 minutes or until firm.

They Wouldn’t Be Healthy Saucy Chicken Meatballs Without The Marinara!

While the meatballs are baking, prep the sauce.  For this recipe, I like to doctor my homemade marinara, but you can use a jar of storebought marinara too.

Saute the mushrooms until they give up their liquid and start to brown, then add the chopped bell pepper and cook until slightly softened.  Add the marinara sauce and wine.

Plop the cooked meatballs into the rich sauce and simmer with the lid of the pot slightly askew, stirring occasionally.

That’s it!  Easy-peasy!  Of course, this is delicious over regular pasta, but you can also use the gluten free or protein rich versions if you prefer.   Spaghetti squash is another option that’s low carb and gluten free and I’ve got instructions here on how to make that.

Whether your family is gaga for spaghetti with the best chicken meatballs  or you’re just looking  for an easy chicken meatball recipe this is a delicious way to get more vegetables and lean protein into their diets without sacrificing flavor!

Healthy Chicken Meatballs

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 505 kcal

Make a healthier version of spaghetti and meatballs!  Chicken meatballs, loaded with sautéed vegetables to keep them moist and simmered in a chunky veggie rich sauce.  Go low-carb with spaghetti squash as a substitute for pasta for an uber healthy meal!

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Ingredients

• 1 small onion finely diced
• 1 medium zucchini grated
• 3 large cloves garlic minced
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 pound ground lean chicken (I used ground chicken breast, but you can use turkey, too)
• 3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
• pinch kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sweet bell pepper finely diced
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1/3 cup red wine

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°.  Line a baking sheet with tin foil and coat with non-stick vegetable spray.  Set aside.

2. Place a medium saucepan over medium high heat.  Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and onions.  Saute, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and start to turn translucent, about 1-2 minutes.  Add the zucchini, garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the zucchini softens, another 1-2 minutes.  Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Place the  ground chicken, breadcrumbs, oregano, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a large bowl.  When the vegetable mixture has cooled to the point that you can handle it, transfer the veg to the chicken mixture and use your hands to gently combine the ingredients.

4. Fill a small bowl with water.  Dip your hands in the water (this will prevent the meat mixture from becoming too sticky when you're handling it - rewet your hands as needed.) and use a rounded tablespoon to measure out the meat.  Roll the meat between your hands to form meatballs.  set them on the baking sheet so they don't touch.

5. Bake meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until firm to the touch.

6. While meatballs are cooking, heat a large pot over medium high heat.  Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and heat until hot.  Add the mushrooms and pinch of salt.  Saute until the mushrooms give off their liquid and start to brown.  Stir in the bell pepper and cook until slightly softened.  Remove from heat until the meatballs have finished cooking.

7. When the meatballs are done, add marinara sauce and wine to the vegetables and transfer the meatballs to the sauce.  Simmer, covered on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.  

8. Serve over cooked spaghetti (or spaghetti squash for a low carb alternative) with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.  

Nutrition Facts

Healthy Chicken Meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 505 Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 21g 32%

Saturated Fat 5g 25%

Cholesterol 106mg 35%

Sodium 1768mg 74%

Potassium 1610mg 46%

Total Carbohydrates 53g 18%

Dietary Fiber 9g 36%

Sugars 13g

Protein 33g 66%

Vitamin A 31.9%

Vitamin C 69.1%

Calcium 19.9%

Iron 38%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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