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Spinach Chicken Meatballs

Spinach Chicken Meatballs

These easy Spinach Chicken Meatballs combine lean ground chicken with fresh spinach, herbs, and spices for a nutritious, flavorful, and family-friendly meal. Quick to prepare and versatile to serve, they offer a healthy twist on classic meatballs that can be baked or pan-fried to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped and sautéed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs / almond flour for GF option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Cooking

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Finely chop the fresh spinach, then sauté it lightly in a pan until wilted. Allow it to cool completely to remove excess moisture and ensure the meatballs hold together well.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled spinach, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until everything is evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a small scoop. Place them on a lined baking sheet to keep the process tidy.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Notes

  • Don’t skip sautéing spinach to remove excess water and avoid soggy meatballs.
  • Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender.
  • Use a small scoop for uniform-sized meatballs to ensure even cooking.
  • Ensure chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
  • Line the baking sheet with parchment paper when baking for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach chicken meatballs, healthy meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, easy dinner, meal prep, protein-packed, family-friendly