For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a pan with olive oil before simmering in tomato sauce. Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the meatball mixture, such as oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes. Serve these meatballs with your favorite pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes.
Chef John's Chicken Meatballs
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PREP TIME40 mins
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COOK TIME20 mins
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TOTAL TIME2 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING4 People
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VIEWS18
Experience the ultimate comfort food with these succulent chicken meatballs. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, these meatballs are incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic herbs and spices. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they're perfect as a main course or served over pasta.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate17 g
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Cholesterol153 mg
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Fiber1 g
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Protein28 g
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Saturated Fat9 g
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Sodium996 mg
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Fat27 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPlace the chicken and pork fat on a plate or tray and put them in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or until they are firm and very cold. (Time: 15 minutes)
02
StepAdd the breadcrumbs to the bowl of a food processor. (The breadcrumbs should be crumbled from the inside of a loaf of fresh or day-old French bread—no crust!) Add the sautéed onions, egg, white wine, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and crushed fennel seeds. Place the chilled chicken mixture on top.
03
StepPulse the food processor on and off until the mixture resembles ground meat, stopping occasionally to scrape the bowl. (Time: 5-7 minutes)
04
StepTransfer the mixture to the fridge and chill for 1 hour before shaping. (Time: 1 hour)
05
StepPreheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray. (Time: 10 minutes)
06
StepDivide the mixture into 12 portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use damp hands to roll them into smooth balls.
07
StepBake in the preheated oven until the meatballs are cooked through, about 18 minutes. For some additional browning, turn the broiler to high and broil the meatballs for 1 to 2 minutes. (Time: 18-20 minutes)
08
StepThe meatballs can be served immediately or transferred into tomato sauce set over low heat. Simmer gently for about 20 minutes to flavor the sauce. (Time: 20 minutes)
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Devin Mclaughlin
Jul 1, 2025The instructions were so clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner like me.
Bradly Pacocha
Jun 27, 2025Doubled the recipe and froze half for later. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Gaston Collins
May 31, 2025I used ground turkey instead of chicken, and they were still amazing.
Royal Wiza
May 30, 2025My family devoured these. Will definitely make again!
Kavon Grimeslehner
May 28, 2025The freezing trick really works! They held their shape perfectly.
Kiera Parker
May 20, 2025These are the best meatballs I've ever made! So tender and flavorful.
Angelina Spinka
May 15, 2025I added a pinch of oregano and it was delicious!
Hiram Stokes
May 14, 2025Simmering them in the tomato sauce really made a difference. So good!