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Weeknight • Chicken

Speedy Saucy Chicken Meatballs

These quick chicken meatballs simmer in a savory sauce, perfect over rice or noodles for an easy weeknight meal.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Speedy Saucy Chicken Meatballs

Craving meatballs but short on time? These speedy chicken meatballs come together in a flash, bathing in a delicious, tangy-sweet sauce that's incredibly satisfying. They're juicy, flavorful, and so comforting after a long day.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.

  2. Step 2

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. You don't need to cook them through, just get a nice color. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the diced onion. Sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and oregano. Bring to a simmer, then return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.

  5. Step 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread.

Tips

  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Mix until just combined.
  • For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • These meatballs are great for meal prep! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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