Juicy Homemade Chicken Breast Meatballs
A Recipe for Succulent, Homemade Chicken Breast Meatballs
We’ve all heard about the benefits of using healthy ingredients, but sometimes figuring out how to prepare versatile ingredients like chicken breast can be a challenge. Many of us tend to stick to grilling or boiling. Today, I want to share a recipe for ‘Homemade Chicken Breast Meatballs’ that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious and packed with flavor. These meatballs are moist, tender, and pair wonderfully with tomato sauce, making them a truly captivating dish. Let’s get started on this wholesome chicken breast recipe!
Meatball Ingredients- 250g Chicken breast, cut into large pieces
- 1/2 Onion, finely chopped or roughly chopped
- 4 Tbsp Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Dried basil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’ll be using a mini food processor to make the chicken breast meatball mixture effortlessly. If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the onion into small cubes, about 0.5cm in size. If using a food processor, add the onion first and pulse until it’s roughly chopped, retaining some texture.
Step 2
Next, cut the chicken breast into pieces approximately 2cm in size. Preparing the ingredients this way will make the next steps much smoother.
Step 3
Place the chicken breast pieces into the food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth, paste-like consistency. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender or finely mince the chicken with a knife. Once the chicken is processed, combine it with the chopped onion.
Step 4
Heat a large frying pan over high heat for 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, then add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes golden brown and releases its natural sweetness. This step is key to developing a deeper flavor in the meatballs.
Step 5
Transfer the sautéed onions to the bowl with the chicken mixture. Add the breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and basil. Now, knead the mixture thoroughly with your hands until well combined. The breadcrumbs are essential for retaining moisture, ensuring your meatballs are incredibly juicy and tender. Once the mixture is cohesive, shape it into meatballs, about 3cm in diameter. Ensuring uniform size will allow them to cook evenly. Chicken breast is lean, so the mixture might be sticky; lightly oiling your hands can help prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
Step 6
Preheat the frying pan over medium heat, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Carefully place the shaped meatballs into the pan. Roll the meatballs around gently to sear all sides until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Browning the exterior well is crucial for locking in the juices, resulting in tender meatballs.
Step 7
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the tomato sauce (300mL) and water (100mL). Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 8
Lower the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer for about 15 minutes. This slow cooking process will ensure the chicken meatballs are cooked through and become wonderfully tender.
Step 9
And there you have it – perfectly juicy homemade chicken breast meatballs! I’ve garnished mine with some thinly sliced scallions for a touch of color. You can also add a sprinkle of dried parsley or basil for an even more appealing presentation.
Step 10
Honestly, I didn’t have high expectations initially, but I was pleasantly surprised by how incredibly moist and tender they turned out. The deep savory flavor of the chicken combined with the tangy tomato sauce is absolutely delightful. This is a fantastic dish for a special meal or a delightful change of pace.
