Description
Hearty Italian-inspired pesto chicken meatballs deliver rich Mediterranean flavors in one compact protein package. Herb-infused chicken blends seamlessly with basil pesto, creating delectable bites you’ll savor with crusty bread or pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken, preferably dark meat
- ⅓ cup (80 mL) basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 large egg
- ⅔ cup (55 g) panko breadcrumbs
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Additional basil pesto or warmed marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preparation: Arrange all necessary culinary tools, including a spacious mixing bowl, parchment-lined baking sheet, and fork for precise ingredient integration.
- Temperature Setup: Ignite the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the upper third to ensure optimal heat distribution and golden-brown perfection.
- Ingredient Fusion: Merge ground chicken with vibrant pesto, crisp breadcrumbs, whisked egg, salt, and pepper in the mixing bowl, employing a fork to delicately blend ingredients without overworking the mixture.
- Shaping Technique: Craft uniform spherical meatballs by gently rolling between palms, creating consistent 1½-inch diameter orbs that promise even cooking and appealing presentation.
- Baking Placement: Carefully distribute meatballs across the parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining strategic spacing to prevent merging and ensure comprehensive roasting.
- Culinary Transformation: Roast in the preheated oven until meatballs achieve a golden-brown exterior and reach a safe internal temperature, typically 15-20 minutes, signaling their complete and succulent preparation.
Notes
- Prevent Tough Texture: Mix ingredients gently with a fork to avoid overworking the chicken, which can create dense, rubbery meatballs.
- Consistent Size Matters: Use a small cookie scoop or weigh each portion to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
- Moisture is Key: The egg and pesto help bind ingredients while keeping the meatballs juicy and flavorful throughout baking.
- Strategic Baking Placement: Position the oven rack in the upper third to promote even browning and achieve a beautiful golden exterior without drying out the interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg