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homemade Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs. photo
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Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs.

Tender baked chicken meatballs with Italian spices, marinara, and melted cheeses for an easy family dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground spicy Italian chicken sausage (see note)
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 2 slices soft whole grain bread dampened and crumbled
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 small shallots grated
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1-2 tablespoons pepperoncinis chopped
  • 32 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded provolone
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano chopped, plus extra for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
  • Run the bread slices briefly under water until just damp, squeeze out excess water, and crumble into small pieces.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground spicy Italian chicken sausage, ground chicken, crumbled bread, eggs, grated Parmesan, grated shallots, grated garlic, chopped pepperoncinis, and a pinch of salt and pepper; mix until evenly combined.
  • Coat your hands with a little olive oil and roll the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized meatballs. Place the meatballs evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake the meatballs uncovered for 15 minutes, until the outside is beginning to crisp but the centers are not fully cooked.
  • Remove the dish from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover the dish with foil and return to the oven for 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone over the meatballs, and scatter the chopped fresh oregano on top. Bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and golden, about 10 minutes.
  • Let the dish rest briefly, then serve the meatballs topped with additional fresh oregano and with your favorite pasta if desired.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Grater
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Spatula or spoon

Notes

  • If you can’t find ground spicy Italian chicken sausage, see the seasoning suggestion below to make your own.
  • To make a homemade spicy chicken sausage, add spices to 1 lb ground chicken as described.
  • The bread should be damp, not soaked, to help bind the meatballs.
  • Roll meatballs to uniform size for even cooking.