Fried chicken meatballs

Fried Chicken Meatballs - A Delicacy from Home Cooking

Who doesn't love meatballs? These little fried delights are perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Chicken meatballs are an excellent choice, as they are easy to prepare and extremely versatile. In this recipe, we will explore step by step how to achieve perfect, juicy meatballs with a golden crust that will satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

Total time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4 (approximately 12-15 meatballs)

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g ground chicken - choose quality meat, preferably from a trusted supplier. Chicken is lower in fat than other types of meat, making it a healthy option.
- 1 onion - preferably white or yellow onion for a sweeter taste.
- 2-3 cloves of garlic - fresh garlic gives a special flavor to the meatballs.
- 1 egg - to bind the ingredients.
- 1 slice of bread - a soft bread is ideal; you can also use whole grain bread for added fiber.
- A handful of fresh herbs (dill, parsley) - the herbs not only add flavor but also a tempting appearance.
- Salt - to taste.
- Flour - to give a crispy crust to the meatballs.
- Oil for frying - choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil or canola oil.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by finely chopping the onion and garlic. If you want to save time, you can use a food processor. The bread will be soaked in a little water, then squeezed well to avoid adding too much moisture to the mixture.

2. Mixing the composition:
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, onion, garlic, beaten egg, chopped herbs, and the soaked slice of bread. Sprinkle salt to taste. Mix all the ingredients well with your hands or a spatula until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. It is important that all the ingredients are well integrated to achieve perfect meatballs.

3. Shaping the meatballs:
With wet hands, shape the meatballs to your desired size. You can choose to make them larger or smaller, depending on your preference. It is ideal to obtain meatballs of about 3-4 cm in diameter.

4. Dredging in flour:
Coat each meatball in flour, ensuring it is well covered. This step will help achieve a crispy, golden crust during frying.

5. Frying the meatballs:
Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the meatballs, so they do not absorb too much oil. Fry the meatballs on each side for about 4-5 minutes or until golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

6. Serving:
Once the meatballs are ready, remove them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Fried chicken meatballs can be served hot, alongside French fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also opt for a garlic yogurt sauce or a tomato sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Practical tips

- Oven version: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, lightly greased with oil, and bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Freezing the meatballs: The meatballs can be easily frozen. After they have cooled, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer. When you want to serve them, you can fry them directly from the freezer or heat them in the oven.
- Adding spices: You can experiment with various spices such as paprika, cumin, or cayenne pepper for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken meatballs are an excellent source of protein, making them ideal for a balanced diet. Chicken contains B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism, while the herbs add antioxidants and fiber. By opting for whole grain bread, you can increase your fiber intake, which is beneficial for the digestive system.

Calories

A serving of chicken meatballs (approximately 3 meatballs) has around 350-400 calories, depending on the preparation method and the exact ingredients used. It is always good to keep portion size and ingredients in mind to adjust your meal to your nutritional needs.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can use pork, beef, or even turkey meat. Each type of meat will add a different note to the meatballs.

2. What side dishes go well with meatballs?
Meatballs pair excellently with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or fresh salads. You can also serve various sauces, such as mayonnaise with mustard or tomato sauce.

3. What can I do with leftover meat?
If you have leftover chicken, you can make meatballs or add the meat to soups or stews.

Fried chicken meatballs are more than just a simple recipe; they represent a family story, a memory of meals around the table and time spent with loved ones. Making them at home is a pleasure, and the result will bring smiles to the faces of those who taste them. So, don't hesitate to start cooking and enjoy these delicious chicken meatballs!