Cranberry Chicken Meatballs
These savory and sweet Cranberry Chicken Meatballs are a healthy, protein-packed dish perfect for busy families and meal prep.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb Chicken breast or turkey, cubed Lean protein source
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs For texture
- 1/4 cup Whole wheat flour Helps bind the meatballs
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Rich, savory touch
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder Adds sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Paprika For smokiness
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder Warm, aromatic spice
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Subtle kick
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt Enhances flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground pepper Enhances flavor
Cranberry Sauce Mixture
- 1/2 cup Cranberry sauce Provides the sweet and tangy flavor
- 2 tablespoons Honey Natural sweetness to balance flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon Red chili flakes For added heat
- 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt Enhances the sauce
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For sautéing meatballs
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary (optional) For garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, flour, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cubed chicken breast or turkey to the mixture. Use your hands to gently fold until just combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball.
Cooking/Assembling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Carefully add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cranberry sauce, honey, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt, then pour over the meatballs.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
Serving
- Remove meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary if using.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides like quinoa or roasted vegetables.
- Drizzle extra cranberry sauce on top if desired.
Notes
For added moisture, soak breadcrumbs in water before mixing. Letting the mixture sit for an hour before cooking enhances flavor.