Go Back
- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved For Caprese Chicken Meatballs, we start with ground chicken. This lean meat gives us a great base. The breadcrumbs help hold everything together. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor. Fresh basil brings that classic Caprese taste. Lastly, the mozzarella balls melt in the meatballs, making each bite creamy. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Now, let's talk about spices. Garlic powder adds depth, while onion powder gives sweetness. Salt enhances all the flavors, and black pepper adds a bit of heat. These spices create a well-rounded taste in the meatballs. - 1 tablespoon olive oil for frying - 1 cup marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For frying, olive oil works best. It helps create a nice, crispy crust. Marinara sauce is perfect for serving with the meatballs. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add a pop of color and flavor to your dish. For the Full Recipe, you can check the details above to see how these ingredients come together. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything combines well. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls. Be careful not to break them. This adds a nice cheesy surprise in each meatball. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Let it heat up for a minute. While the oil warms, take the chicken mixture and form meatballs. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks evenly and stays juicy. Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally. Look for a golden-brown crust and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After cooking, take the meatballs out and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce. Heat the sauce until it simmers gently. Carefully return the meatballs to the skillet. Stir gently to coat them in the sauce. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve the meatballs hot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. This dish looks as good as it tastes! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To make great meatballs, you need to mix the ingredients well. I use my hands for the best result. This helps blend the chicken and spices evenly. Do not overmix, or the meatballs may become tough. For a golden-brown crust, preheat your skillet before adding oil. Use medium heat to cook the meatballs. Turn them gently to avoid breaking. Cook them until they reach 165°F inside. This ensures they are safe to eat. Caprese chicken meatballs taste great with a fresh side salad. You can also serve them with pasta or garlic bread. For a fun twist, try them on a sub roll. To present your dish well, arrange the meatballs on a nice plate. Drizzle some marinara sauce over them. Add fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can make it look even better. You can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through. This method is healthier and easier to clean up. If you want to use a slow cooker, you can. Brown the meatballs in a skillet first, then transfer them to the slow cooker. Pour marinara sauce over them and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This makes the meatballs very tender and flavorful. For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Chicken Meatballs section above. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this recipe. Try ground turkey or beef instead of chicken. Both work well and add a different taste. If you want a dairy-free option, replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can find many tasty substitutes at your local store. Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for more flavor. You can also use spices like red pepper flakes for a kick. If you love sauces, try different ones. Barbecue sauce or pesto can bring a fun twist to your meatballs. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Transform your meatballs into a fun sub. Just add them to a fresh hoagie roll with extra sauce. Top with more cheese and fresh basil for a treat. You can also serve them as an appetizer. Arrange the meatballs on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with basil leaves. They’ll look great and taste amazing! For the full recipe, check out the Caprese Chicken Meatballs section above. Store leftover Caprese chicken meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. Heat them until they are hot all the way through. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes in the microwave. Stir halfway to avoid cold spots. You can freeze meatballs both before and after cooking. If freezing raw, shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool first. Then, put them in a freezer-safe container. To thaw, move the meatballs from the freezer to the fridge for several hours. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Just make sure to check the meatballs often as they thaw. Refrigerated meatballs last about 3-4 days. For frozen meatballs, they can stay good for up to 3 months. Always label the containers with dates. This helps you keep track of how long they have been stored. What are Caprese Chicken Meatballs? Caprese Chicken Meatballs mix ground chicken with fresh basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan. They are juicy, flavorful, and inspired by the classic Caprese salad. You get a burst of Italian taste in every bite. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze them for later use. Just cook them straight from the freezer when you are ready to enjoy. What's the best temperature to cook chicken meatballs? Cook chicken meatballs at 375°F. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden-brown crust. Use a thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. How can I tell if the meatballs are done? Check the meatballs for a golden color on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F inside. If you cut one open, the meat should be white with no pink. What is the calorie count per serving? Each serving of Caprese Chicken Meatballs has about 300 calories. This may vary based on portion size and how much sauce you use. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! The meatballs store well in the fridge or freezer. You can pair them with pasta, salad, or veggies for easy meals throughout the week. You can find the full recipe at the beginning of this article. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Caprese Chicken Meatballs. We covered key ingredients, including ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and fresh basil. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, cooking, and serving these meatballs. Tips and tricks helped you perfect your dish, while variations showed different protein options available. Use the storage info to keep your leftovers fresh. Now, you can enjoy flavorful meatballs anytime!

Caprese Chicken Meatballs

Savor the deliciousness of Caprese Chicken Meatballs with this easy recipe! Packed with ground chicken, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella, these meatballs are a perfect blend of flavors. They're quick to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for any weeknight dinner.Enjoy every bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1 cup marinara sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil for frying

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.

    Gently fold in the halved fresh mozzarella balls, being careful not to break them.

      Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

        With your hands, form the chicken mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.

          Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they have a nice golden-brown crust and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

            Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

              In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

                Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4