We all stare at the fridge sometimes and that package of chicken breasts feels so commonplace now. Chicken is a very popular, easy to cook and affordable protein. It can be used with many different ingredients and methods. But for many home cooks, using chicken can become a bit tedious. People often seem to cook the same three or four dishes over and over again. This reliable protein can feel like a task.
However, a new idea could make cooking with chicken exciting again. Chef Giada De Laurentiis has made an interesting recipe. The recipe is from her new book, Super-Italian, which everyone loves. Chicken Piccata Meatballs have quickly become popular with people who cook at home.
Making Chicken Piccata into meatballs sounds very clever, and this classic Italian-American dish tastes very energizing and appealing.Giada’s idea incorporates all this goodness right into the little meatballs. It also adds capers, parsley and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. This reinterpretation feels new and interesting.
These meatballs really stand out. It seems that the technique of softening the meatballs is very important.Giada’s secret to texture may surprise some chefs. It uses a method called “panade” for hydration, which involves soft slices of white bread being soaked in milk. This simple step will have a profound effect on the texture of the meatballs.
How you cook these meatballs is also important. Baking is a wise choice for busy people. This is because it uses less oil compared to frying meatballs. And it’s also less time consuming than frying them on the stove. Simply place them on a lined baking sheet and bake them under the light of the oven. After about seven minutes they will be a nice golden brown color.
Recipe details: Cheesy Chicken Meatballs
Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 40 mins
Level: Unknown Servings: 5
Calories: 237 kcal
Energy: 9180.6 kcal Protein: 26 g
Carbs: 5 g Fat: 12 g
Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken
2 eggs, lightly beaten
¼ cup roasted garlic light cream cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Get the recipe: Cheesy Chicken Meatballs
Giada also shared a really smart tip for rubbing meatballs that is used to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. Her advice is simple: keep your hands moist. This is because water creates a slippery barrier on your skin so you can roll the balls smoothly and quickly.
I think this tip is practical knowledge for home cooks. It’s not complicated skills or expensive tools you need, it’s more important to understand what the ingredients are doing.
How to Cook
So how exactly do you make delicious meatballs? First prepare the bread filling by soaking the bread in milk. Place the minced chicken and bread mixture in a bowl. Add the all-important meat sauce for flavor. This includes cheese, eggs, lemon zest, scallions, capers and parsley. Stir gently so that the meat doesn’t get tough.
Place them in the oven under the broiler. The roasted meat will be golden brown and slightly firm on the outside. While it is roasting, you can make a quick sauce. Soften the shallots in the oil to add flavor. Stir in the flour to thicken slightly. Add chicken broth and lemon juice for extra flavor. Finish by adding whole capers for extra saltiness.
The meatballs are then tossed in the sauce and served. giada’s meatballs are served with broccoli and a colorful salad, along with a main course of baked potatoes. Of course, this dish can be adapted to your personal preferences. You can change the concentration of spices or add other flavors. This makes it easy to make recipes that you favor.
Even small changes can make a difference. Someone mentioned that you can use dried whole wheat panko bread crumbs. This saves time and eliminates the soaking step. It also adds fiber for different cooking needs. Recipes are usually just a starting point. Understanding how ingredients work can help you vary your cooking methods quite a bit. That’s why this recipe from Giada is so refreshing because it shows some clever ways to do things inside. Finding new ways to do this, as Giada has done, opens up new possibilities. Her ideas take us beyond one recipe.
The real advantage of chicken is the flexibility of its form. People usually buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Exploring minced or shredded cooked chicken opens up different avenues of cooking. Minced chicken is a good base for a variety of dishes. Thai chicken burgers use minced chicken along with unusual toppings. Toppings such as lemongrass or fish sauce make it special.
Recipe details: Swedish Meatballs
Cook time: Unknown Total time: 17
Level: Unknown Servings: 4
Total weight: 491.0 g Calories: 578.3 kcal
Energy: 578.3 kcal Protein: 33.6 g
Carbs: 22.0 g Fat: 40.1 g
Dish Tags: nordic, condiments and sauces, lunch/dinner, Low-Carb, Sugar-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Sulfites
Ingredients:
1 package refrigerated appetizer-size fully cooked turkey meatballs (reserve sauce pkt for another use)
1 jar beef gravy
½ c. reduced-fat sour cream
Get the recipe: Swedish Meatballs
Keep one tip in mind as you try out some different chicken options. Always make sure the chicken is cooked enough. This will prevent the risk of getting sick from harmful bacteria. It is recommended to always use a fork that is the right temperature. Insert the fork into the thickest part of the chicken. This will give you a correct reading that is completely trustworthy. It gives you the assurance that your delicious meal is safe to eat.
Putting a little effort into trying a new food can pay off nicely. Practice in a different way or combine flavors in a new way. It’s waiting for you to realize its full flavor potential in your kitchen. Get creative and utilize its utility more often. Enjoy falling in love with cooking chicken again.
Related posts:
Giada De Laurentiis Says This 30-Minute Recipe Is the Most Popular One in Her New Cookbook
10 Chicken Recipes To Make on Repeat
