These Simple Weight Watchers Chicken Meatballs Are Ready In Less Than 30 Minutes!

Introducing a healthier spin on the beloved meatball classic chicken Meatballs!

Dietary adjustments need not signal the end of our favorite dishes. Instead, they present an opportunity to reimagine our favorites.

Whipping up these meatballs is a breeze, requiring only a handful of basic ingredients: ground chicken, finely diced onion, a hint of panko (or any breadcrumbs of choice), egg, aromatic basil, salt, pepper, and your preferred sugar-free marinara sauce.

The process is straightforward: combine the chicken, onion, egg (adjusting for moisture as necessary), panko, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then shape into meatballs. For added convenience, a brief stint in the freezer helps firm them up, preventing any mishaps during cooking.

Once shaped, sear the meatballs in a pan until golden brown on all sides, then introduce the marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Allow the flavors to meld together beautifully as you simmer gently for an additional 10 minutes.

Why you should try Chicken Meatballs:

1. Indulge guilt-free with just 1 point per serving, allowing you to savor every bite without compromising your wellness goals.

2. These meatballs come together in under 30 minutes, providing a hassle-free solution for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:

• 500 g. ground chicken breast
• ½ cup (75 g) finely chopped white onion
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup (25 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup (240 ml) sugar-free marinara sauce
• ½ cup (120 ml) wáter
• Fresh basil leaves

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: Approximately 20 meatballs

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely chopped white onion, salt, black pepper, olive oil, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs. Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball. Ensure they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Sear the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on the outside and cooked through.

Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce. Pour the sugar-free marinara sauce with water into the skillet with the meatballs. Gently toss the meatballs with the sauce to coat them completely.

Step 5: Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish. Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil leaves before serving to add a fresh, aromatic touch. Serve the hot chicken meatballs with your favorite side dish. Enjoy this delicious dish as an appetizer or main course.

Variations and Substitutions:

1. Elevate the savory profile by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese atop the meatballs. The rich, nutty notes of Parmesan complement the meatballs, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

2. For a luxurious twist, incorporate Greek yogurt into the sauce just before serving. The creamy texture and tangy flavor elevate the dish to gourmet status, without the need for heavy cream or excess calories.

3. Infuse the meatballs with depth and complexity by blending smoked turkey sausage into the mixture. Opt for lean, low-sugar options to maintain the dish’s health-conscious appeal, while imparting an authentic Italian flair.

Tips and Tricks Section for making Chicken Meatballs:

1. Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for up to two weeks. When hunger strikes, simply simmer them in marinara sauce for a quick and satisfying meal that tastes as fresh as homemade.

2. Add the egg gradually to achieve the desired consistency. Depending on the moisture content of the chicken, you may require less than the full amount specified in the recipe.

3. Enhance the flavor profile with an Italian seasoning blend, generously sprinkled throughout the meat mixture. However, if simplicity is your preference, salt and pepper suffice to deliver a burst of traditional Italian flavor.

WW Points

98% fat-free uncooked ground chicken breast 0 points
Egg 0 points
No sugar added fat free 0 points
sugar free no fat marinara sauce (if you use sauce with sugar in it it will add points) 0 points
Water 0 points
Olive oil 1 point
Panko breadcrumbs 3 points
Table salt 0 points
Black pepper 0 points
Basil 0 points