Description
Delight family and friends with Crispy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs featuring tender ground chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese combined with natural gelling agent for moist, flavorful, and perfectly crispy meatballs. Ideal as an appetizer or comforting main course, these versatile meatballs pair beautifully with tomato sauce and add a flavorful touch to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp mixed dried herbs (basil, oregano)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 large egg, beaten
For Cooking
- 3 tbsp olive oil
For Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups tomato sauce infused with garlic and basil (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preparing the Mixture: Finely chop the smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooked smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese (plant-based), breadcrumbs, minced garlic, herbs, natural gelling agent, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and beaten egg. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Shaping the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking and consistent crispy crust.
- Cooking the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs without overcrowding the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy on all sides, locking in flavors and texture.
- Adding the Sauce: Transfer cooked meatballs to a baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of garlic and basil infused tomato sauce (natural) over them. Sprinkle additional plant-based cheese (plant-based) on top if desired, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to meld flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Use medium heat to brown meatballs evenly without burning or undercooking inside.
- Mix ingredients gently to prevent dense, tough meatballs.
- Keep meatballs uniformly sized for consistent cooking.
- Let meatballs rest a few minutes after baking to enhance flavors and redistribute juices.
- Prepare and freeze uncooked meatballs for convenient meals later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: crispy chicken meatballs, parmesan meatballs, plant-based cheese, gluten-free meatballs, chicken appetizer, healthy meatballs
