Randy Chandler
Chicken and cheese are a match made in heaven, and when you add meatballs to the equation, you get a fun, fancy, and delicious treat. These mouth-watering cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs are not only simple to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're serving them as a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetiser, or a snack, they're sure to impress and satisfy. With a juicy chicken exterior and a gooey, molten cheese centre, these meatballs are perfect on their own or paired with a rich tomato sauce and pasta or crusty bread. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Chicken |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cream cheese, Feta, Black Pepper Boursin cheese |
| Other ingredients | Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Red pepper, Italian seasoning, Garlic powder, Vegetable oil, Salt, Pepper, Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Onion, Garlic, Olive oil, Herbs, Tomato sauce, Pasta |
| Cooking method | Baking, Frying, Air frying |
| Cooking time | 17-22 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Salad, Bread, Pasta, Marinara sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cheese
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your chicken meatballs, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a cheese that melts well. This is crucial as it ensures that you get that desirable gooey and molten centre when the meatballs are cooked.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for this very reason, as it melts beautifully and has a mild flavour that pairs well with chicken. When selecting mozzarella, opt for fresh mozzarella, which comes in "cherry-sized" balls, or ciliegine, which are bite-sized mozzarella balls. You can also use a larger ball and cut it into cubes to fit into the centre of your meatballs.
Other cheese options that melt well include cream cheese, which can add a creamy texture, and feta, which provides a salty tang. If you want a more pronounced flavour, consider using Black Pepper Boursin cheese, which will add a spicy kick to your meatballs.
In addition to meltability, you also want to consider the overall flavour profile of your dish. If you're serving your meatballs with an herby tomato sauce, you may want to choose a cheese that complements those flavours. Parmesan, for example, is a classic Italian cheese that goes well with tomato-based dishes. You can also mix grated Parmesan cheese into your meatball mixture to enhance the flavour.
Ultimately, the right cheese for your chicken meatballs depends on your personal preference and the specific flavours you want to highlight in your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds!
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Meatball mixture
The meatball mixture is the star of this dish, and it's important to get it just right. The base of the mixture is ground chicken—use at least 93% lean ground chicken meat to ensure your meatballs are extra juicy. You can also use ground turkey if you prefer.
Next, you'll want to add some flavour. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage are a great way to add a punch of flavour. You can also add some spice with chilli flakes or red pepper flakes. Grated onion, garlic, and Parmesan cheese are also great additions to the meatball mixture.
To bind the mixture together, you'll need some eggs and breadcrumbs. Cream cheese can also be added for extra creaminess. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined.
Finally, shape the meatball mixture into small balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Make an indent in the middle of each ball and place a piece of cheese in the centre. Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice, but you can use any melty cheese you like. Seal the meatballs well, ensuring the cheese is completely covered, so it doesn't ooze out during cooking.
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Shaping the meatballs
Firstly, prepare your chicken mixture by combining ground chicken with other ingredients such as eggs, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings. You can also add cheese to this mixture for an extra cheesy kick. The mixture should be well combined and easy to shape. If you find that your mixture is too sticky or loose, you can try adding more breadcrumbs to improve its consistency.
Once you have a well-combined mixture, it's time to divide it into equal portions. The number of portions will depend on the size of meatballs you prefer and the amount of mixture you have prepared. A typical meatball is around 2 tablespoons in size, but you can adjust this to your preference.
Now, the fun part begins—stuffing the cheese! Take one portion of the meatball mixture and press it into a flat patty, about 2-3 inches wide. Place your chosen cheese in the center, being careful not to overfill. Fresh mozzarella is a popular choice, and you can use \"cherry-sized\" balls, cut in half, or a full cheese ball, depending on your preference. Other cheeses like cream cheese, Parmesan, or feta can also be used.
Gently wrap the edges of the patty around the cheese, enclosing it completely. Be sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking. Then, with lightly oiled hands, shape the meatball by gently rolling it between your palms to form a smooth, round ball. Repeat this process with the remaining portions of the meatball mixture.
Finally, arrange the shaped meatballs on a prepared baking sheet or tray. It is recommended to lightly grease the baking sheet or line it with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Brush the meatballs with olive oil to promote even browning during cooking.
Now your cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs are ready for the oven! Remember to preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before baking, ensuring an even cook.
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Cooking method
To make cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs, you'll need ground chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or another melty cheese), and herbs and spices of your choice. You can also add vegetables like grated onion, garlic, or red pepper.
Start by preheating your oven to between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the ground chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and any vegetables you're using in a large bowl. Mix well. Take a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and form it into a flat patty, about 2-3 inches wide. Place a piece of mozzarella or another cheese of your choice in the centre, then wrap the edges of the patty around the cheese, forming a ball with the cheese enclosed. Repeat until you've used up all the chicken mixture.
Place the meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 18-22 minutes or until cooked through. You can also brown the meatballs in a pan before transferring them to a tomato sauce to warm through before serving. Serve your cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs with pasta, crusty bread, or a simple salad.
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Serving suggestions
These cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to get you started:
As a Main Course
Cheese-stuffed chicken meatballs make a delicious and hearty main course. They can be served in a rich and herby tomato sauce, with pasta or crusty bread on the side to mop up all the sauce. You can also serve them with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad, grated Parmesan cheese, and thinly sliced basil.
As an Appetizer
These meatballs can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Simply provide toothpicks and a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also make meatball subs or sandwiches with crusty Italian bread.
As a Side Dish
The meatballs can be a tasty side dish to accompany other main courses. Try serving them with plain noodles or penne in Alfredo sauce topped with marinara. They can also be tossed with pesto spaghetti for a flavourful and comforting side dish.
Customization
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the stuffing. While mozzarella is a popular choice, you can also use other melty cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese. Additionally, you can customize the meatball mixture by adding various herbs and spices, such as parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, or chilli flakes, to suit your taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need ground chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese (mozzarella, parmesan, or feta), herbs, salt, pepper, garlic, and olive oil.
Combine the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form the mixture into equal-sized meatballs, making an indent in the middle of each to place a piece of cheese. Seal the meatballs well and roll them into balls.
You can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400-425 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-22 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in batches in olive oil until golden brown.
You can serve the meatballs with a tomato or marinara sauce, pesto, or alfredo sauce. For sides, crusty bread or pasta are great options. Salads, such as a simple green salad or Caesar salad, can also be served alongside.
