A few years ago, my daughter Chelsea, who is very dedicated to her fitness, health and the gym, asked me to start thinking of recipes that where a little more health conscious. One of her favorites foods has always been Grandma's meatballs. As delicious as mine are, I cannot disagree that my moms may be even better. Since then I have created so many delicious recipes for her to enjoy because you just cannot give up all of the foods that you love. So, I found the best ground chicken at a local farm. (Abma's right in Wyckoff.) It is truly amazing and I will not buy ground chicken in a supermarket anymore. Fresh ground chicken is so different from the packages we see in the stores. I lightened up the ingredients and bake instead of fry. It's basically the same traditional and delicious meatball, just less calories and fat.
They were a huge hit!!! Everyone loves them in our family. Now I have to make tons of them everytime. They can be used in so many different dishes from breakfast to dinner. My family loves when I slice them up and brown for breakfast instead of sausage or bacon. so tasty and much healthier.
Today was a very special meatball dinner!! It was little Joeys (my youngest grandson) first meatball... EVER!! Ryan and Hattie both got their first meatball on their 6 month birthdays. So we need to keep up with tradition. I am so happy to say...he loved it!!
Three grandchildren...three meatball lovers!! I'm on a roll. What else could an Italian grandmother ask for?
CHICKEN MEATBALLS
3 LBS GROUND CHICKEN 1 TBLSP GARLIC POWDER 1 TBLSP PARSLEY 1/2 CUP GRATED PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE ***OR PARMESAN IF YOU LIKE 1/2 CUP BREAD CRUMBS 1 EGG SALT & PEPPER
STEP 1 Put ground chicken in a bowl and season with salt & pepper. Add all remaining ingredients.
STEP 2 Get in there and mix well with your hands!!
STEP 3
Roll into balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
I love them in regular meatball size but they are also terrific as minis. Minis are perfect for soups or make a bunch for a great appetizer size. You can serve with a variety of dipping sauces on the side like a ranch, barbecue sauce or our favorite chipotle.....yummy!!! Breakfast, appetizers, dinners or soups, these can be used so many different ways so make sure to make alot!!.
AND LASTLY....HERE IS MY LITTLE JOEY AND HIS FIRST MEATBALL!!!!! LOOK AT THAT FACE !!!