Chicken meatballs in tomato sauce (gluten-free)

Today, I'm thrilled to share a heartwarming recipe that's as comforting as a hug from your grandma: Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. Bursting with wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean flavors, this dish is a perfect example of homemade goodness.

The post has extra tips to make sure the recipe comes out amazing on your first try. If you're in a rush, use the link above to jump to the recipe card at the end! 👩‍🍳🔝

Did anybody say chicken meatballs in tomato sauce? My kids come running because they LOVE meatballs.

And you will love them too. How do I know? Because my chicken ball recipe is one of my readers' favorite recipes on my blog.  And what did I do? I've paired those delicious gluten-free meatballs with some rich tangy tomato sauce. The result? Sensational family chicken dinner!

Six reasons to love this chicken meatball recipe:

1. Gluten-Free: These chicken meatballs are perfect for those avoiding gluten. Instead of using regular bread crumbs, this recipe uses cooked rice, making the meatballs tender and delicious. So, if you're following a gluten-free diet, you can enjoy these flavorful meatballs worry-free!
2. Easy recipe: Making the meatballs requires some time, but with my simple recipe you will have a delicious, no-fuss dinner in no time.
3. Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, there's something irresistible about the classic combo of spaghetti and meatballs. what kid doesn't like spaghetti with meatballs, right?
4. Meal-Prep: Ideal for meal prep and freezer storage, these meatballs bring convenience to your table without compromising flavor. This recipe is freezer-friendly.
5. Low-cost recipe: These chicken meatballs are very budget-friendly. The chicken thighs mince makes our recipe way cheaper than any takeaway you could get. And the best part? It's not just about saving money; it's about savoring a wholesome, homemade meal that's undeniably better for you. Say goodbye to pricey takeouts and hello to a budget-friendly, nutritious feast!
6. And don't forget they are absolutely delicious! 

Gluten-free chicken meatball ingredients

• Organic or free-range chicken mince. I prefer chicken thighs for their rich flavor and juiciness.
• Brown onion, finely chopped or grated (any type of onion works). If you have a small food processor, use it to ensure the onion is minced very finely.
• Cooked rice, any rice variety works, I usually use basmati rice.
• Baby spinach, finely chopped.
• Large egg, free-range if possible.
• Extra virgin olive oil.
• Sea salt and black pepper, to season.

Tomato sauce ingredients

• Brown onion: Finely diced.
• Passata: Plain Italian tomato sauce.
• Chicken or vegetable stock.
• Maple syrup: To balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. You can use organic raw sugar as well.
• Fresh garlic
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

To serve:

• Grated Parmesan cheese.
• Spaghetti, gluten-free if needed.
• Fresh parsley, or any other fresh herbs you prefer

Cooking meatballs on the stove in sauce

Make the meatballs:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, cooked rice, finely chopped spinach, egg, salt, and pepper.
• Use your hands to mix the ingredients to ensure that everything is well combined

• Take a  small amount of the meatball mixture, approximately 1 cookie scoop, and shape small balls rolling the meat between your palms. If the mixture is sticking to your hand, wet your hands with a little bit of olive oil or some water.
• Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a large plate.

💡TOP TIP: If you have time, refrigerate the chicken mixture for 30 minutes before you roll the meatballs. It will help to keep them in the ball shape when frying.

Fry the meatballs:

• Heat some olive oil in a large cast iron skillet or a frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Fry meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side until crisp and golden; transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Make the tomato sauce:

• In the same frying pan (without washing), add a little olive oil and sauté finely diced onions and pressed garlic over low heat for 10-15 minutes until onions are soft and sweet.
• Add passata, maple syrup, and chicken stock to the pan; bring to a gentle boil and cook on low heat for 5 minutes before adding meatballs.

Cook the meatballs in the sauce:

• Place fried chicken meatballs into the simmering sauce.
• Cover the pan with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer in the tomato sauce for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Serve:

• While meatballs simmer, cook spaghetti.
• Serve the chicken meatballs over a bed of freshly cooked spaghetti.
• Ladle the rich tomato sauce generously over the meatballs and pasta.
• Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian touch.

Here you go, you have the best meatballs for dinner!

More ways to serve the homemade meatballs:

• Sandwich:
  • Place the chicken meatballs in a crusty hoagie or sub roll.
  • Spoon some tomato sauce over the meatballs.
  • Add your favorite toppings such as melted cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes for a hearty sandwich.
• Meatball Bowl:
  • Create a nourishing bowl by placing the meatballs on a base of cooked quinoa or brown rice.
  • Drizzle with the tomato sauce.
  • Add roasted vegetables or a fresh salad on the side for a wholesome, balanced meal.

How long to cook meatballs in sauce after browning

Small meatballs are cooked in 20 minutes, but cooking time will depend on the size of the meatballs. So if you would like to ensure they are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The meatballs should reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating they are thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

Can you cook raw meatballs in sauce?

Yes, you can cook uncooked meatballs in sauce without browning them first. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 10 minutes. 

Variations:

Add ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese to the uncooked meatball mixture.

Incorporate some chopped parsley into the mix.

Add a splash of fresh cream to the tomato sauce just before you place the fried meatballs into the frying pan.

While this is a chicken recipe, lean ground beef or ground pork will also work great to make these Italian meatballs.

A ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning will add even more Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

How to store the cooked meatballs in tomato sauce

Refrigerate: To store your Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce in the short term, transfer any leftover meatballs and the sauce into an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly, and they'll stay fresh for up to three days.

How to freeze meatballs in sauce?

Place them in a freezer-safe container, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, they can maintain their flavors for up to two to three months, ready and waiting to come to the rescue on a busy weeknight.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen meatballs, move them from the freezer to the refrigerator. Let them thaw overnight, allowing the flavors to reawaken naturally.

How to reheat 

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of stock or water.

If you like this recipe, you might like my easy stove-top meatballs too. 

Recipe