Ground Chicken Recipes: Cozy Skillet Chicken Meatballs

Why You'll Love This Ground Chicken Recipes

• These tender chicken meatballs are easy enough for a weeknight and cozy enough for Sunday supper.
• A simple tomato sauce brings everything together in one skillet, so cleanup stays wonderfully manageable.
• Ground chicken makes a lighter meatball while breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs keep every bite moist and flavorful.
• The recipe uses familiar pantry ingredients and is ready in about 50 minutes.
• Serve the meatballs over pasta for a warm, filling dinner the whole family can enjoy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients, and you will have everything needed for tender meatballs and a savory tomato sauce.

• Ground chicken - 1 pound
• Plain breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup
• Large egg - 1
• Finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves - 2, minced
• Dried Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Small yellow onion - 1, finely chopped
• Crushed tomatoes - 1 can, 28 ounces
• Low-sodium chicken broth - 1/2 cup
• Granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cooked pasta - 8 ounces, for serving
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup, for serving

How to Make Ground Chicken Recipes

Plan on about 20 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. There is no separate resting time, so this comforting skillet dinner comes together without a long wait.

Step 1: Combine the Meatball Ingredients

Add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix Gently

Use clean hands or a spoon to gently mix everything until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs firm instead of tender.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs. Keeping them similar in size helps them cook at the same rate.

Step 4: Heat the Skillet

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Give the oil a moment to warm before adding the meatballs.

Step 5: Brown the Meatballs

Place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on all sides for 6 to 8 minutes. Turn them gently so they develop color without breaking apart.

Step 6: Transfer the Meatballs

Move the browned meatballs to a clean plate. They will finish cooking in the sauce, so they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.

Step 7: Cook the Onion

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the onion softens and picks up the savory browned bits.

Step 8: Make the Tomato Sauce

Stir the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and granulated sugar into the skillet. Scrape the bottom gently to blend in the flavorful bits left from the meatballs.

Step 9: Return the Meatballs

Carefully place the meatballs back into the skillet, nestling them into the tomato sauce so they are surrounded by warm, saucy goodness.

Step 10: Simmer Covered

Cover the skillet and simmer the meatballs for 15 minutes. Keep the heat steady so the sauce gently bubbles while the meatballs cook through.

Step 11: Check the Temperature

Check the center of a meatball with an instant-read thermometer. The meatballs are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 12: Serve with Pasta

Serve the meatballs and tomato sauce over cooked pasta. Finish each portion with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe Snapshot

Pro Tips for Making Ground Chicken Recipes

• Wet your hands lightly before shaping the meatballs to keep the mixture from sticking.
• Mix the ground chicken only until the ingredients come together for soft, tender meatballs.
• Leave a little space between the meatballs while browning so they color instead of steaming.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the thickest meatball reaches 165°F.
• If the sauce becomes thicker than you like, stir in a small splash of chicken broth.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Recipes

• Spoon the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, penne, or your favorite cooked pasta.
• Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a colorful family dinner.
• Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the tomato sauce.
• Top with extra Parmesan and a little chopped parsley just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Cool the meatballs and sauce promptly, then store them in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For the best texture, store the pasta separately from the meatballs and sauce.

Freezing

• Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the most even results.

Reheating

• Reheat the meatballs and sauce gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until hot throughout.
• Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened during storage.
• Cook fresh pasta separately and spoon the warmed meatballs and sauce over it.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

These cozy chicken meatballs bring the comfort of a treasured family supper to your table with very little fuss.

FAQs

Here are a few helpful answers for making and serving this comforting skillet dinner.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be used in the same amount. Check that the meatballs reach 165°F in the center before serving.

Can I make the meatballs without pasta?

Absolutely. Serve them with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or warm bread for a satisfying meal.

How do I keep chicken meatballs tender?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid packing the meatballs too tightly. Simmering them in the sauce also helps keep them moist.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, shape the uncooked meatballs, cover them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before browning and simmering. Keep them chilled until you are ready to cook.