Description
Tender baked chicken meatballs with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and a golden breadcrumb topping. A perfect comfort dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 garlic cloves, sliced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
22 Ritz crackers
5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 pounds ground chicken
8 ounces mozzarella cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and sauté garlic. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Crush crackers into fine crumbs.
3. Mix crumbs, Parmesan, egg, seasonings, and chicken. Combine gently.
4. Shape into 20 meatballs and place in a baking dish.
5. Top meatballs with sauce and mozzarella. Bake for 40–45 minutes.
6. Microwave panko with olive oil and seasoning until toasted.
7. Add breadcrumb topping, extra Parmesan, and basil before serving.
Notes
Use ground turkey or beef for variation. Add chili flakes for more spice. Use gluten-free substitutes if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 meatballs
- Calories: 845
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 2074mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 248mg