Spicy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Marinara
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these delightful spicy baked chicken meatballs nestled in a velvety creamy marinara. The meatballs are seasoned with a kick of red pepper flakes, offering a subtle warmth that complements the sweet and tangy tomato sauce, mellowed by a touch of cream. Baking the meatballs ensures they are juicy and tender without the added oil of frying, making this a delicious and slightly lighter option. Serve them over pasta, with crusty bread, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic (half of the amount), onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- 2Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Set aside.
- 3While meatballs are baking, prepare the creamy marinara. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld.
- 5Stir in the heavy cream and heat through for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce doesn't boil after adding cream. Gently add the baked chicken meatballs to the creamy marinara sauce and toss to coat.
- 6Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot with your favorite pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the sauce or microwave. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To make it less spicy, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, you can add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
What can I serve these meatballs with?
These meatballs are excellent with spaghetti or any pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, polenta, or simply with a side of steamed vegetables and crusty garlic bread.
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RECIPE BY
Leckere Rezepte
We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.
