Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy oven-baked chicken meatballs simmered in a savory garlic tomato sauce, perfect for a quick and comforting family dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Bake meatballs for 15 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: While meatballs bake, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 14-oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add baked meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce and cook together for 3 minutes, spooning sauce over meatballs to coat well before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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