Skillet Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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 pairs ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) 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.

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

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

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground chicken from drying out.

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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