Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet? Introducing our Stuffed Cheesy Chicken Apple and Sage Meatballs—a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will leave you craving more! Bursting with juicy ground chicken, fresh apples, and gooey cheese, these meatballs are not only a feast for the eyes but also a wholesome meal that your family will love. With just 40 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be able to whip up this mouthwatering recipe in no time. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how to create a dish that’s sure to impress at your next dinner gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 apple (diced)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1 diced apple, 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh sage.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together using your hands or a spoon until well combined, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, use your hands to form small meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 12 to 16 meatballs depending on the size.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a side dish or sauce if desired. A simple apple and sage sauce would complement the flavors beautifully.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the stuffed cheesy chicken apple and sage meatballs warm, garnished with additional fresh sage or cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Apple: For the best flavor, opt for a sweeter apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji, which will complement the savory chicken and sage beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so be gentle!
- Uniform Size: Try to form your meatballs to a uniform size (about 1 to
- 5 inches) to ensure even cooking. This way, they’ll all be perfectly tender and juicy.
- Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps them retain their juices and makes for a more flavorful bite.
- Experiment with Sauces: Consider pairing your meatballs with a simple apple and sage sauce or a tangy barbecue sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make Extra: These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch. You’ll have a quick meal ready for busy nights!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
