- 🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
- ⏲ Total Time: 40 minutes
- 💲 Cost per Serving: $2.50
- 🔥 Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Introduction
These Easy Homemade Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Sauce are the perfect comfort food—simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. The chicken meatballs are juicy and tender, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that’s packed with herbs and a hint of garlic. This is a great recipe for meal prep or for a cozy family dinner. And the best part? It’s healthy, low in carbs, and goes perfectly with just about anything, from zucchini noodles to cauliflower mash!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe🍅
- Easy and Quick: Simple ingredients and easy prep make this a weeknight winner.
- Healthy and Low-Carb: With almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, these meatballs are keto-friendly and gluten-free.
- Full of Flavor: Garlic, herbs, and Parmesan give these meatballs a delicious, savory taste.
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite low-carb side or even on their own as a tasty protein-packed snack.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- Ground Chicken: 1 lb (use lean or regular ground chicken, depending on preference)
- Egg: 1 large, to help bind the meatballs
- Almond Flour: 1/4 cup, for a low-carb breadcrumb alternative
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup, grated, for added flavor and tenderness
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon (a mix of basil, oregano, and rosemary is ideal)
For the Tomato Sauce
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for sautéing
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz), for the base of the sauce
- Tomato Paste: 1 tablespoon, for a richer flavor
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Basil: A handful, chopped, for garnish (optional but recommended)
Steps for Preparation
1-Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently until well combined.
💡 Tip: Don’t have breadcrumbs? Crushed crackers or stale bread work just as well!
Form small, walnut-sized meatballs with damp hands to prevent sticking.
2-Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 12-15 meatballs. Make sure the meatballs are similar in size so they cook evenly.
3-Cook the Meatballs
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
4-Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant (but not browned). Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5-Add the Meatballs to the Sauce
Place the meatballs back in the skillet with the tomato sauce. Spoon a little sauce over each meatball and let everything simmer together for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6-Serve and Garnish
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil if you’d like. These are perfect on their own, or over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
💡 Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mixture seems too sticky, add a bit more almond flour. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or an extra egg yolk.
- Cook the Meatballs in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet so they brown evenly.
💡Customizing This Recipe
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a little heat.
- Try Different Herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme can be swapped for basil if you prefer.
- Add Cheese: Melt mozzarella or provolone on top of the meatballs before serving for extra cheesiness.
- Serve with Veggies: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful, low-carb meal.
What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
- These meatballs are delicious with a variety of low-carb sides. Try them with Zucchini Noodles for a light, pasta-like feel, or serve over Cauliflower Mash for a cozy, comforting dinner. Both options soak up the tomato sauce perfectly!
Why This Recipe is a Favorite
This recipe is popular because it’s a healthier twist on classic meatballs in tomato sauce—without sacrificing flavor. The chicken keeps the meatballs light, and the almond flour makes them perfect for keto or low-carb diets. Plus, they’re so versatile you can pair them with almost anything, making them ideal for meal prepping or easy dinners.
FAQ-Homemade chiken Meatballs
Q: Is it possible to bake the meatballs rather than pan-frying them?
A: Absolutely! Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store the meatballs in the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re even better the next day!
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs (with or without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or the microwave.
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Final Thoughts
These Easy Homemade Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Sauce are sure to become a regular on your menu. They’re simple, packed with flavor, and can be served in so many ways. Perfect for meal prep or a family meal, they’re a delicious, healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and photos with us on social media!These Easy Homemade Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Sauce are sure to become a regular on your menu. They’re simple, packed with flavor, and can be served in so many ways. Perfect for meal prep or a family meal, they’re a delicious, healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and photos with us on social media!