These Cheesy Spinach Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with melted cheese in every bite. Made with lean ground chicken, spinach, and a blend of seasonings, they’re a delicious and nutritious twist on classic meatballs. Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein and nutrients from spinach
- Juicy and cheesy with a golden-brown crust
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Versatile—serve them with pasta, rice, or on their own
- Baked instead of fried for a healthier option
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, mozzarella, garlic, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown in the oven.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Serve warm on their own, with pasta, in a sub, or with dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (about 16-18 meatballs)
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Different Cheese: Try using feta, gouda, or provolone for a unique flavor.
- Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw before warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well as a substitute.
How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?
Don’t overmix the meat, and use an egg and cheese for moisture.
Can I cook these on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They go well with marinara sauce, pasta, mashed potatoes, or in a sandwich.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, finely grated zucchini or carrots can be added for extra nutrients.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make mini meatballs for appetizers?
Yes, just make them smaller and reduce the baking time to 12-15 minutes.
Are these gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.
Can I meal prep these meatballs?
Yes, you can prep the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook.
What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard are all great choices.
Conclusion
Cheesy Spinach Chicken Meatballs are a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a tender texture, cheesy center, and the goodness of spinach, they are both nutritious and satisfying. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or as a snack, these meatballs are a must-try!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
These Cheesy Spinach Chicken Meatballs are packed with juicy ground chicken, fresh spinach, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or even meal prep, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection and smothered in a delicious cheese sauce!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meatballs – In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, chopped spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until combined.
- Form and Bake – Roll the mixture into meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce – In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve – Pour the cheese sauce over the baked meatballs and serve immediately.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if desired.
- Add extra spices like smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Serve with pasta, zucchini noodles, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
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