Chicken Bacon Meatballs with Parmesan and Chili Spice
These Chicken Bacon Meatballs combine two of America’s favorite flavors—chicken and bacon—into one delicious, savory dish. With a touch of chili spice and Parmesan, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Two medium bowls
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- oven rack
- Measuring cups
- spatula
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bacon strip add more if desired
- 3 slices of sandwich bread torn into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ¼ cup of whole milk
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- Parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken and bacon on a plate and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes.
- In a food processor, blend the torn sandwich bread, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and kosher salt.
- Pulse until the mixture is fine.
- Divide this mixture evenly into two medium bowls.
- Add the milk to one of the bowls and stir to combine.
- Remove the chicken and bacon from the freezer.
- Add half of the chilled chicken and bacon to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the milk-crumb mixture, lightly beaten egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture is almost creamy.
- Add the remaining chicken and bacon to the food processor and pulse until combined.
- Using a 1-inch scoop, form the mixture into approximately 30 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for an additional 15 minutes to firm up.
- Roll the meatballs in the remaining breadcrumbs from the second bowl.
- Return the meatballs to the baking sheet.
- Position an oven rack in the upper-middle position and preheat the broiler to high.
- Lightly baste the meatballs with vegetable oil and broil for about 5 or 6 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, and garnish with parsley if desired.
- Allow the meatballs to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:
Pair with a crisp, cold beer or a light Chardonnay to complement the savory and spicy flavors of the meatballs.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Protein: 28 g | Fat: 22 g | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g | Salt: 600 mg
