Description
Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a comforting and simple dinner option featuring tender ground chicken meatballs baked with plant-based cheese and rich natural tomato sauce, enhanced by fresh herbs and natural spices. These juicy meatballs use a natural gelling agent to stay moist and hold their shape, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Versatile and easy to prepare, they pair wonderfully with pasta, rice, or fresh salads for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (natural)
- 1 tbsp natural gelling agent (such as pectin, agar, or carrageenan)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning (natural), freshly chopped parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent. Mix gently until just combined to ensure tender and moist meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into even-sized meatballs about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Pre-Bake the Meatballs: Brush each meatball lightly with olive oil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 15 minutes until the meatballs are set but not fully cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the tray from the oven and spoon tomato sauce (natural) generously over each meatball. Top each with slices or shreds of plant-based cheese for a creamy melt.
- Final Bake: Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned and the meatballs are cooked through completely.
Notes
- Keep meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Handle the mixture gently to avoid dense meatballs.
- Chilling the mixture for 10 minutes helps the natural gelling agent work better.
- Use plant-based cheese that melts well for the best texture.
- Fresh parsley enhances flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, plant-based cheese, baked meatballs, gluten free, vegetarian Worcestershire, Italian seasoning, easy dinner