Ground Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce

Name: Ground Chicken Meatballs In Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon sugar; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Home-Style Comfort Dishes

I love making these ground chicken meatballs in tomato sauce because they are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. The ground chicken offers a tender texture that absorbs the flavors of the rich, homemade tomato sauce beautifully. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends and is so satisfying when served over al dente pasta or with a warm slice of garlic bread. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe fits comfortably into our busy weeknight rotations.

Created by

Evelyn Parker

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:13:37.999Z

Creating these ground chicken meatballs always brings me joy because of how versatile they are. I've played around with different herbs and spices, but I’ve found that a blend of parsley and garlic gives the best results. The trick to keeping them moist is not overmixing the meat when forming the meatballs; this helps them stay tender during cooking.

When I simmer them in the utterly delicious tomato sauce, the aromas fill my kitchen and make the whole house feel inviting. I love serving them with spaghetti or on a sub with melted cheese for a delightful meal that feels like a treat any night of the week.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy ground chicken meatballs bursting with flavor
Homemade tomato sauce that brings everything together
Quick and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners

Mastering the Meatball Technique

When preparing the meatballs, it's important not to overmix the ingredients. Gently folding the ground chicken with the breadcrumbs and cheese ensures a tender texture. I recommend using your hands for this step; it allows you to feel the consistency and guarantees that you won't compact the meat. Aim for meatballs that are uniform in size—around 1 inch in diameter—so they cook evenly in the sauce.

If you want to prevent the meatballs from being dry, consider adding a splash of milk or using panko breadcrumbs for added moisture and texture. Alternatively, you can incorporate finely grated zucchini; this not only enhances moisture but also boosts the nutritional value without altering the flavor significantly.

Perfecting the Sauce

The homemade tomato sauce is where the real flavor develops. Start by sautéing the onions until they are translucent and fragrant, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat. This step builds a flavorful base that complements the acidity of the crushed tomatoes. Don't rush this process—golden edges on the onion signal readiness and depth of flavor.

Feel free to boost the flavor profile by adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness and complexity. Adjust the sugar to balance acidity; start with half a teaspoon and add more if necessary, depending on the brand of tomatoes you use.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these delicious meatballs:

For the Meatballs

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Ensure everything is prepared before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make the meatballs and sauce:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Simmer the Meatballs

Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes until cooked through.

Serve

Enjoy the meatballs with spaghetti or in a sub roll topped with melted cheese.

Delicious! Enjoy your homemade meal!

Pro Tips

If you have time, let the meatballs rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These ground chicken meatballs pair wonderfully with al dente spaghetti, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully to the pasta. If you're looking for a hearty meal, serve the meatballs in a toasted sub roll topped with melted provolone or mozzarella cheese. Just pop them under the broiler for a minute to achieve that gooey finish.

For a lighter option, consider serving them atop a bed of spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to give a satisfying pasta experience without the carbs. Garnish with additional parsley or grated Parmesan for an aesthetic touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead tips

These meatballs are great for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. Just keep the meatballs and sauce in separate airtight containers to maintain freshness. Additionally, they freeze well; place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

When reheating, whether from the fridge or freezer, it's best to do so gently. Simmer in the sauce on low heat until warmed through, which should take about 10-15 minutes for refrigerated meatballs and longer for frozen ones. This method helps retain juiciness and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and will give you a similar flavor and texture.

→ How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure not to overmix your meatball mixture and let them rest before cooking, which helps them hold together.

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them or even freeze them before cooking.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair perfectly with spaghetti, on a sub roll, or even on a bed of rice for a different twist.