These Spicy Chicken meatballs braised beautifully in olive oil are delicious and packed with wonderful flavours.  They are golden brown on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside.

These are pretty simple to prepare and are ready within minutes.  Keep all the ingredients handy and you can create magic just when your guests are about to arrive.  Serve the guests these chicken meatballs when they are piping hot accompanied with your favourite main dish – it could be flavoured rice or a portion of pasta.  Pairs extremely well with both.

In our weight-loss journey, it will only help us if we realise that eating healthy is also about great flavours.  Else it will only make the journey difficult.  The food cravings will keep coming and then it creates a feeling of being deprived.

When you put a little thought to what your plate carries by that I mean – to check if the meal is a good protein source, high on vitamins and  is a well-satiating meal.

These Chicken meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and can be put away in the freezer.  Take them out an hour or so before the cooking time to be served hot.

A really stress free recipe that will definitely create a lasting impression.

Chicken Meatballs

Per 100g serving :
Calories : 162 cal
Protein : 19.5 gms

Ingredients:

• ½ kg Chicken mince
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp red chilli sauce
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
• ½  cup (25g) grated parmesan cheese*
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp crushed black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
• A pinch of salt
• Few drops of white vinegar
• 1 tsp crushed red chilli flakesFor garnish :
• 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Method :

1. In a large bowl mix all the ingredients with the help of a large wooden spoon or spatula.
2. Scoop a portion of the mixture, about 2 tbsp in size and roll into a ball with your hands
3.  Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture. You should have around 15 meatballs.
4. Heat a pan add 2 tbsp of olive oil and cook the meatballs until nicely browned and cooked.
5. Once done remove onto a clean plate. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and drizzle of lemon juice.
6. You could drizzle the left over flavoured oil on top of the meatballs for enhanced flavour.
7. Serve warm meatballs with your choice of pasta or flavoured rice.

Handy Tips :

1. Do not shape the meatballs too tightly, that can make them rubbery and tough while they cook.
2. Chop the ingredients finely for maximum flavour.
3. Cook them for 5 to 7 minutes and check if they spring back when pressed with a spoon or spatula if they spring back they are done.
4. You can add mozzarella cheese to them for a cheesy stringy texture. I have skipped the cheese in my recipe.
5. Don’t forget to drizzle the residue oil from the pan on the meatballs because it is amazingly flavourful.