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Italian Chicken Meatballs Baked

Savory Italian Chicken Meatballs Baked in Creamy Sauce

Delicious Italian chicken meatballs baked in creamy vodka sauce; perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Grated
  • 1 lb Ground Chicken Substitute with turkey or beef if desired
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 Egg Can replace with flax egg for vegan option
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs are an alternative
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano for sharper taste
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Can use fresh herbs for brighter taste
  • 1 tbsp Chili Powder Adjust based on spice preference
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for those who prefer extra spice
  • 1 tsp Sweet & Smoked Paprika Use one type if the other isn't available
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adjust to taste
For the Vodka Sauce
  • 2 cups Vodka Sauce Store-bought or homemade
For the Topping
  • 8 oz Burrata Cheese Substitute with fresh mozzarella if needed
Optional Garnishes
  • 1 bunch Fresh Basil Chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
  • to taste Additional Red Pepper Flakes Optional for added spice

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to high broil, ensuring the rack is positioned in the lower-middle section. Set a timer for approximately 15 minutes.
  2. Grate a yellow onion and combine it with ground chicken, minced garlic, egg, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and sweet and smoked paprika. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper, mixing gently until just combined.
  3. Form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, aiming for about fifteen in total, and place them on a clean plate.
  4. Pour vodka sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place an oven-safe wire rack on top.
  5. Arrange the meatballs on the wire rack, lightly spraying them with cooking oil before broiling.
  6. Broil the meatballs for about 8-9 minutes until golden brown, then flip and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. Lower the oven temperature to 400°F. Stir the vodka sauce, adjust seasoning, and return the meatballs to the sauce, covering the dish.
  8. Bake the covered dish for about 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  9. Remove the cover and add slices of burrata cheese on top of the meatballs, returning the dish to the oven for another 8-10 minutes.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley before serving warm with pasta or on their own.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Leftovers can be reheated easily.

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