Description
Enjoy these Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs combining lean ground chicken with plant-based cheese and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection with a golden crust and tender interior, topped with a natural tomato sauce enhanced with a natural gelling agent for perfect consistency. A quick, wholesome, and family-friendly Italian-inspired dish ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for any weeknight or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (parmesan style), shredded
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups natural tomato sauce
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin or agar)
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing and drizzling
- Additional plant-based cheese (parmesan style), for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor during baking.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, plant-based cheese, gluten-free breadcrumbs, egg, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and finely chopped fresh basil and parsley. Gently mix until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and juicy interiors.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each. Bake for about 20 minutes until they turn lightly golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Tomato Sauce and Plant-Based Cheese: Remove the meatballs from the oven and evenly spoon the natural tomato sauce enhanced with natural gelling agent over the top. Sprinkle additional shredded plant-based cheese to create a melty finish.
- Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven for another 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the cheese to melt into a delicious golden layer.
Notes
- Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
- Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to ensure meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Let formed meatballs rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold together.
- Fresh basil and parsley greatly enhance flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, plant-based cheese, gluten-free meatballs, healthy chicken parmesan, easy dinner, family-friendly meatballs
