Description
These Chicken Carrot Meatballs offer a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional meatballs by incorporating finely grated carrots for added moisture and nutrition. Baked to perfection with a blend of Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, they make a versatile dish perfect for pairing with pasta, veggies, or your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- ¾ cup finely grated carrots
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400℉ (200℃) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Prepare the carrots: Place the grated carrots in a clean towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Adding dry carrots prevents sogginess in the meatballs.
- Mix ingredients: Transfer the squeezed carrots to a large bowl. Add ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, onion powder, Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, paprika, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix well using clean hands or a spoon until fully combined.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture gently into golf ball-sized portions, ensuring they hold together without being too compacted. Arrange them in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165℉ (74℃).
- Serve and store: Enjoy the meatballs warm with your favorite sauce, pasta, or vegetables. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey if preferred.
- Ensure carrots are well-drained to avoid excess moisture and soggy meatballs.
- Check meatballs for doneness by using a meat thermometer to reach 165℉ internally.
- These meatballs freeze well; freeze after baking for up to 3 months.
- Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
