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Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

Chicken Zucchini Meatballs - Gourmet And Food

Let’s get real for a second. Cooking can sometimes feel like making rocket science, but it doesn’t have to be! Enter chicken zucchini meatballs. They’re a game-changer. Packed with nutrition and flavor, these meatballs are a yum-filled way to sneak zucchini into your diet.
As someone who loves utilizing simple ingredients, I find these meatballs bring joy to the dinner table. They’re not just a hearty meal; they’re enjoyable, versatile, and surprisingly easy to make. And don't get me started on how well they hold up as leftovers. Whether you’re a meal prep enthusiast or just want to whip up something quick, these meatballs shine.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
  • 2 cups shredded zucchini about 2 small or 1 large zucchini
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs panko or regular work well
  • ¼ cup whole milk or adjust as needed
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for pan greasing
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus extra for salting zucchini
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step 1: Prepping the Zucchini
  1. Start with the zucchini. Wash it well, and then grate it using a box grater or food processor. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is crucial! Too much moisture could make your meatballs mushy.
Step 2: Mixing Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, squeezed zucchini, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; that can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 3: Shaping the Meatballs
  1. Now, you’re ready to shape your meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Scoop up small amounts of the mixture and roll them into balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. This should yield around 16 meatballs.
Step 4: Cooking
  1. You have a couple of options here. You can either bake them or pan-fry them. If you choose to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the meatballs on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
  2. For pan-frying, heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through.
Step 5: Serving
  1. Serve these meatballs hot with your favorite sauce, over pasta, or with a side of roasted veggies. Top with fresh herbs or grated cheese for an extra kick of flavor.

Notes

Squeeze Out moisture: Be diligent about removing excess moisture from the zucchini.
Use lean meat: Going for ground chicken or turkey? Opt for leaner cuts to avoid a greasy texture.
Breadcrumb choice: Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, that works too.
Don't overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Finishing option: For added flavor, toss your cooked meatballs in sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking or frying.