Chicken meatballs

Chicken Meatballs - A Healthy and Delicious Snack

There are moments in life when we want to indulge in something tasty yet healthy. Today, I will share my recipe for chicken breast meatballs, a perfect choice for a light snack or even a main dish alongside a side of pasta or vegetables. The inspiration for this recipe came from the tradition of pork and beef meatballs, but I decided to adapt them into a lighter and equally appetizing version.

Total preparation time: 45 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 600 g chicken breast (skinless and boneless)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 egg
- 2 slices of bread (soaked in water)
- 150 g flour (for coating)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons chives (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon dill (chopped)
- 250 ml sunflower oil (for frying)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by obtaining fresh chicken meat. I advise you to ask for it to be minced directly from the butcher, where you can also check the quality. Avoid pre-ground meat from the supermarket, as it may have an undesirable texture.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the minced chicken. Add the crushed garlic cloves for an intense and flavorful taste. Continue with the egg, chopped chives, and dill. These herbs will not only add flavor but also a boost of vitamins.

3. The bread: Take the two slices of bread, soak them in water for a few seconds, then squeeze them well and crumble them. This will help achieve a fluffy texture. Add the bread mixture to the bowl, along with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, form balls the size of walnuts. If you want to give them a uniform shape, you can use a spoon to measure the mixture.

5. Coating with flour: Roll each meatball in flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. This step will create a crispy crust when frying.

6. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the sunflower oil. Check if the oil is hot enough by adding a small amount of batter; if it sizzles, it's ready. Fry the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan so they brown evenly.

7. Draining excess oil: Once they are browned on all sides, remove the meatballs onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil.

Serving suggestions: These meatballs are excellent served with a fresh tomato sauce, seasoned with basil, and homemade pasta. Imagine the enticing aroma of basil perfectly complementing the delicate taste of chicken. You can also serve them with a seasonal salad for a light and healthy lunch.

Possible variations: You can experiment with various herbs and spices. For example, adding ground chili pepper for a spicier taste or crumbled feta cheese in the meatball mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional information: One serving of meatballs contains approximately 350 calories, depending on the oil used and the portion sizes. They are a good source of protein and, thanks to the fresh herbs, provide a range of essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought ground chicken? It is recommended to use fresh meat, but if you have no other option, make sure it is of good quality.
- Can the meatballs be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the raw or fried meatballs. Make sure to place them in an airtight container to prevent excessive freezing.
- Can I use other types of meat? Of course! This recipe is versatile, and you can use turkey meat or even a combination of pork and beef.

I hope this chicken meatball recipe brings joy to your kitchen and family. Enjoy your meal!