Yes. It’s ground chicken meatballs stuffed with pineapple. I am always down to try new healthy ground chicken recipes.
Love the chicken + pineapple combination. It is something that always works for me (Chinese pineapple chicken is a great example of that, too)! I intended to make simple chicken meatballs, but then I thought – why not to stuff them with something interesting and make them especially amazing?
Many of you usually like to stuff meatballs with mozzarella. Am I right? Oh, I know, it is really delicious but… But sometimes I want something UNUSUAL, you know… Like avocado… or, this time – pineapple. I want to make these meatballs a little bit different and special. I think the pineapple is extremely well suited for this purpose!
These meatballs are so flavorful and delicious! They are covered in a tomato and melted mozzarella sauce with basil… Finger-licking yumminess!!
I bet you are dying to TASTE them! You should… because these chicken meatballs are beyond yummy! This may just be your new favorite recipe. 😉 Don’t forget to check out my other recipes with chicken!
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken breast
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves , pressed through a garlic press
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks , drained
For The Sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce or your favorite spaghetti sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 oz. (170g) mozzarella cheese , sliced
- salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix all the meatball ingredients (except the pineapple chunks) together in a large bowl. Divide meat mixture into 16 portions. Place 1 (or 2 if they are small) pineapple chunk in the center of each meat portion and gently shape into ball. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce. Heat a large skillet on medium-low heat. Add the tomato sauce and oregano, and stir to combine. Simmer until mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Once meatballs are done, transfer them to the sauce and gently toss to fully coat. Stir in the basil. Place the mozzarella cheese in the tomato sauce and over the meatballs and continue cooking on medium-low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into the sauce. Serve and enjoy!
4 Comments
Nancy Morton
March 31, 2014 at 10:54 pmJovita, this recipe sounds really good, I can’t wait to make it! Great pictures too!
Jovita
April 1, 2014 at 6:32 amThanks for your kind words, Nancy! I’m glad you like them. 😉
Sharon
March 31, 2014 at 11:52 pmI can’t wait to try this. I love pineapple chicken pizza & this sounds like it without the crust! Great idea.
Jovita
April 1, 2014 at 2:05 pmThank you, Sharon! You are right, they remind me of that pizza a little bit too. If you try them out, let me know. 😉