Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs

$- Ground chicken: This is the base of our meatballs. It keeps them tender. - Lemon zest and juice: Fresh zest gives a bright flavor. Juice adds moisture and tang. - Fresh herbs (parsley and basil): These herbs bring freshness. They enhance the dish's flavor. - Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and richness to each bite. - Breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese: Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. Parmesan gives a savory touch. - Egg, salt, and pepper: The egg binds everything. Salt and pepper season the meatballs perfectly. - Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil keeps the meatballs moist. - Garnishes (lemon slices and herbs): Lemon slices and herbs look nice. They add extra flavor when serving. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by mixing the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Add the chopped parsley and basil, minced garlic, and breadcrumbs. Toss in the Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. 2. Use your hands to mix everything. Be gentle; you want the meatballs to stay tender. 3. Next, prep the baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup. 1. Now it is time to form the meatballs. With wet hands, take some of the mixture and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly on the baking sheet. 2. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. This gives them a nice coating and helps them brown. 3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. They are done when they are cooked through and lightly browned. To check for doneness, cut one in half. It should not be pink inside. 1. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. 2. For garnishing, add extra lemon slices and fresh herbs on top if you like. This makes the dish look bright and inviting. Enjoy the fresh flavors! When you mix the meatball ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. You want a tender bite, so mix until just combined. Use your hands for the best results. It helps you feel the texture. Enjoy the process of creating something delicious! To ensure even cooking, space the meatballs out on the baking sheet. Leave some room between each one. This helps hot air circulate around them. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for a golden color. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Check if they are done by cutting one in half. The inside should be cooked all the way through. These meatballs are great with many side dishes. Try serving them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. They also pair well with rice or pasta. For a tasty sauce, consider marinara or a lemon herb sauce. Both enhance the fresh flavors of the meatballs. Pro Tips Keep it Tender: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure they remain soft and tender. Handle the mixture gently and just until combined. Add Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to form the meatballs for consistent size, which helps them cook evenly. Perfectly Baked: To check for doneness, cut a meatball in half; it should be no longer pink in the center. This ensures they are fully cooked without being dry. {{image_2}} You can swap the ground chicken for other meats. Turkey works great for a leaner choice. Pork adds a rich flavor that pairs well with lemon. Both options keep the meatballs juicy and tasty. Adjust the cooking time if you use a different meat. Always check for doneness to ensure safety. Adding spices or herbs can change the taste of your meatballs. Try mixing in cumin or paprika for warmth. You can use dill or cilantro for a fresh twist. Experimenting with different herbs keeps the dish exciting. Just remember to balance the flavors so the lemon shines through. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well and keep the meatballs together. For a low-carb version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour. This change keeps the meatballs tender and low in carbs. You can enjoy a healthy dish without losing flavor! Store your Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure they cool down before you seal them up. This helps avoid moisture build-up, which can make them soggy. To freeze your meatballs, let them cool completely first. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it’s time to reheat, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes. They should be hot all the way through. You can check by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink inside. These meatballs are great for meal prep. You can pair them with rice, pasta, or salad. Create balanced meals for the week. Portion out your meatballs and sides in containers. This makes it easy to grab and go. You can also make a big batch and freeze some for later. This way, you have a quick meal ready when you need it. Just remember to label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long they’ve been stored. You can serve these meatballs with many sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: A simple lemon rice or jasmine rice pairs well. - Pasta: Toss with olive oil and veggies for a light dish. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Roasted Veggies: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers work great. - Quinoa: A healthy grain choice that is filling and tasty. These sides enhance the meal and keep it fresh. Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time. Here’s how: - Prep: You can mix the meatball mixture and shape them. - Storage: Place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for an hour. - Wrap: Once firm, wrap the meatballs tightly in plastic wrap. - Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. This saves time on busy days. Absolutely! These meatballs are great for meal prep. Here’s how to do it: - Portion: Form meatballs into 1-inch rounds for easy serving. - Freezing: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. - Bagging: Once frozen, place them in a freezer bag. - Reheating: Bake from frozen at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes. This helps you enjoy delicious meals all week long. You now have a clear guide to making delicious lemon herb chicken meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips. Don’t be afraid to try variations that suit your taste. Proper storage will keep your meatballs fresh. These simple meatballs are perfect for meals, snacks, or meal prep. Dive into this tasty recipe and enjoy the burst of flavors. You can impress friends and family with your kitchen skills. Start cooking today!$

Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs

Delicious and tender chicken meatballs infused with fresh lemon and herbs.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
optional additional lemon slices and herbs for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, chopped basil, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix the ingredients together with your hands until well combined. Be cautious not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
With wet hands, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs, ensuring they're lightly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.
Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.

Keyword chicken, herbs, lemon, meatballs