Chicken Marsala Meatballs

Ingredients:

8 ounces sliced cremini mushrooms, divided

1 pound 93% lean ground chicken

1/3 cup whole wheat seasoned or gluten-free bread crumbs

1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese

1 large egg, beaten

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter

1/4 cup finely chopped shallots

3 ounces sliced shiitake mushrooms

1/3 cup Marsala wine

3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Finely chop half of the Cremini mushrooms and transfer to a medium bowl with the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Pecorino, egg, 1 clove of the minced garlic, parsley, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper, to taste.

Gently shape into 25 small meatballs, bake 15 to 18 minutes, until golden.

In a small bowl whisk the flour with the Marsala wine and broth.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat.

Add the butter, garlic and shallots and cook until soft and golden, about 2 minutes.

Add the mushrooms, season with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes.

Return the meatballs to the pot, pour the Marsala wine mixture over the meatballs, cover and cook 10 minutes.

Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 5 meatballs with mushrooms, Calories: 248 kcal, Carbohydrates: 13 g, Protein: 21 g, Fat: 4 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 121 mg, Sodium: 580 mg, Fiber: 1.5 g, Sugar: 4.5 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if you prefer.

Both ground meats work well in this recipe and will provide delicious meatballs.

What can I use as a substitute for Marsala wine?

If you don’t have Marsala wine on hand or prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or a combination of white grape juice and brandy.

This will provide a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use.

After shaping the meatballs, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until they are firm.

Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Thaw them in the refrigerator before baking or cooking them in the sauce.

What other types of mushrooms can I use in this recipe?

While cremini and shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Chicken Marsala, you can experiment with other varieties such as button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or porcini mushrooms.

Each type of mushroom will impart its unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Is it necessary to use whole wheat breadcrumbs, or can I use regular breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Both types of breadcrumbs will work well as binders for the meatballs.

Choose whichever option you have on hand or prefer for your dietary preferences.

Can I omit the mushrooms if I don’t like them?

Absolutely, you can omit the mushrooms if you prefer.

However, they add flavor and texture to the dish, so you may want to consider substituting them with another vegetable of your choice.

Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Yes, you can use pre-made meatballs from the store if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience.

Simply brown the store-bought meatballs in the skillet before adding the Marsala wine mixture and simmering.

How long do the meatballs need to bake in the oven?

The meatballs should be baked in the oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Make sure to check them periodically to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to use whole wheat breadcrumbs, or can I use regular breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Both types will work well as binders for the meatballs.

Choose whichever you have available or prefer for your dietary needs.

What should I serve with these Chicken Marsala Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

You can also serve them with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken for this recipe?

Yes, ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground chicken.

However, keep in mind that ground beef may alter the flavor profile slightly, but it will still result in tasty meatballs.

How should I store leftover meatballs?

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply microwave them until heated through or warm them in a skillet with some additional sauce.