Polpette di Pollo (Italian Chicken Meatballs)

Polpette di Pollo are a delightful Italian dish that combines ground chicken with flavorful herbs and spices, creating tender and juicy meatballs that are perfect for any occasion. From my own personal experience, these meatballs are a fantastic way to incorporate lean protein into your meals while still satisfying your taste buds. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, they are sure to impress. Let me show you how I make these delicious Polpette di Pollo.

Notes on What to Expect

These Polpette di Pollo will be tender and juicy, infused with flavor from the herbs and spices. The Parmesan adds a delightful richness, while the baking or frying method gives them a nice golden crust. You can adjust the seasoning and sauce to suit your preferences, making this dish highly customizable.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 300
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $15 (varies by location)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main dish or appetizer
• Equipment Needed:
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or aluminum foil
  • Oven
  • Large skillet (if pan-frying)
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Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying, optional)
• For the Tomato Sauce (optional):
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
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Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the meatballs.
2. Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should yield around 16 meatballs.
4. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Baking Method: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Pan-Frying Method: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
5. Prepare the Tomato Sauce (if desired): In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce to warm through before serving.
6. Serve: Serve the Polpette di Pollo hot, with or without sauce. They are great on their own or paired with pasta, on a sub roll, or even as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Variations

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute mozzarella or feta cheese for Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
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Tips

• Moisture Control: If the mixture feels too wet, add more breadcrumbs until you achieve a workable consistency.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze well. Prepare a batch and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid.
• Cooking Temperature: Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken meatballs reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Egg-Free: Substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water).

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~300
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g

I hope this guide has made making Polpette di Pollo seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below; I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment. Enjoy your cooking adventure!