Chicken meatballs with rice and mozzarella

Chicken meatballs with rice and mozzarella - a delicious and comforting recipe

If you are looking for a simple yet extremely tasty recipe, chicken meatballs with rice and mozzarella are the perfect choice! These delicious meatballs offer a perfect balance between the soft melted mozzarella center, slightly spicy rice, and crispy meat, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or meals with friends, and it's also a great way to use ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Let's venture into making these savory meatballs!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g ground chicken
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 egg
- 1 cup green peas (about 150 g)
- 100 g rice
- 200 g mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons white breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- Hot paprika, to taste
- Garlic and herb breadcrumbs (for coating the meatballs)
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking tray)

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning and washing the onion, garlic, and parsley. Chop them finely so that the flavors combine perfectly in the meatball mixture. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can sauté the onion and garlic in a pan with a little olive oil for 3-4 minutes until golden.

2. Preparing the meat mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground meat, chopped vegetables, salt, oregano, and the egg. Mix well with your hands or a spatula, ensuring that the ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Cooking the peas: Boil the green peas in salted water for 5 minutes until they become slightly soft but not too much, so they retain their crunchiness. Drain the peas and add them to the meat mixture.

4. Preparing the rice: Boil the rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and add salt and paprika. Mix well so that the rice is evenly seasoned.

5. Assembling the meatballs: Cut the mozzarella into small cubes. Using a spoon, take a portion of the rice mixture and form a ball. In the center of it, add a cube of mozzarella. Cover the mozzarella with a layer of meat with peas, then roll the ball in the white breadcrumbs.

6. Preparing for baking: In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, carefully place the meatballs. Make sure to leave a little space between them to allow for even baking. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

7. Baking: Bake the meatballs in the oven for 40-60 minutes until they are golden and crispy on the outside. It is recommended to turn them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

8. Serving: Serve the meatballs hot, straight from the oven, along with fresh tomatoes or a crispy green salad. The melted mozzarella inside will add a surprise and delicious element to every bite.

Helpful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat (e.g., turkey or pork) or add spices like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
- Freezing: These meatballs can be easily frozen. After forming them, you can freeze them on a tray and then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to consume them, you can bake them straight from the freezer, just allowing for a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Side dishes: These meatballs pair perfectly with a yogurt sauce or garlic mayonnaise, adding a note of freshness and a pleasant contrast.

Nutritional values

One serving of chicken meatballs with rice and mozzarella contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the type of meat. These meatballs are a good source of protein due to the chicken and egg, while the peas and rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use brown rice? Yes, brown rice is an excellent choice, adding extra fiber and nutrients.
- How can I reduce calories? You can use skinless chicken and reduce the amount of oil used to grease the tray.
- Can I make the meatballs without meat? Absolutely! You can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian option.

These chicken meatballs with rice and mozzarella are not only a quick and simple recipe but also a delicious reminder of family meals. Prepare them with love and enjoy every bite!