Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cups flour
  • bocconcini mozzarella balls
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • handful of basil leaves (torn)

Instruction

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and red pepper flakes. Carefully combine everything with your hands until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
  • Form the ground chicken mixture into small meatballs, each the size of a golf ball.
  • Insert a small bocconcini ball in the center of each meatball, taking care to reform the meatball around the cheese once it’s been inserted. The mozzarella should be completely hidden from sight.
  • Dredge each meatball in the flour to lightly coat it and gently tap off any excess flour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy bottom skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot, add half of the meatballs and sauté for a 3-4 minutes, turning every so often to brown the outside.
  • Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the oil and repeat the process with the remaining meatballs.
  • Once all meatballs are browned, add the tomato sauce to the skillet and place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce.
  • Transfer the skillet, meatballs and all, into the oven and let the meatballs continue to bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and dusting with salt, pepper, freshly chopped basil and extra bocconcini if desired. Serve immediately.