Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

There was a time in my life when I had so much extra food in my freezer that it looked to an outsider that I was preparing for a zombie apocalypse. 😳 My intention was not to hoard food but to make efficient use of my time.  I thought that preparing ridiculously oversized meals and freezing leftovers was a good idea but this practice quickly got out of hand.  As you might imagine, it didn't take long before I had freezers that were absolutely stuffed to capacity and accessing anything behind the first layer of Tupperware containers, required the skills of a professional tetris player.  🤣

I've gotten out of the habit of freezing meals on a regular basis but there's no denying that there are times when a frozen meal saves the day.  In anticipation of my kitchen remodel, I've started to tuck a few things away for the days when I don't have a working kitchen sink or countertops or even a floor to stand on.  😬  Knowing that I have a lasagna and a chicken casserole on hand, that I can just heat and eat during remodel months is easing some of the anxiety about this construction project.  

Before I start boxing things up in my own kitchen, I get to go to South Georgia and practice my packing skills in my son and daughter-in-law's kitchen.  It's amazing how you don't realize just how many things are stored in a kitchen until you have to think about packing everything into boxes.  😅  I love to organize, I love puzzles and I love kitchen stuff so this whole kitchen packing day should be a breeze.  #famouslastwords 😅

Once all of the dishes, pots, pans, bowls and utensils are carefully packed into boxes, food preparation is going to become much more difficult.  Paper plates and plastic silverware is going to be my saving grace.  AND the meals that I made in advance and put in my freezer.   After all, a microwave can be operated in the garage and hands can be washed in the bathroom.  😂 🍽  These chicken parmesan meatballs are the start of my freezer full of  "picnic construction meals".  They're so crazy good though - Im not sure I'll be able to wait until the end of September to break into this deliciousness.  

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
5 Tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
15 ounce can tomato sauce
2 1/4 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
22 Ritz crackers
2 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds ground chicken
2 cups mozzarella, shredded
1 cup panko
1/4 cup fresh basil

Heat 3 T. oil in skillet.  Add garlic and cook until browned.  

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, 1.4 t. oregano, 1/4 t. salt and red pepper flakes.

Bring to a simmer.  Reduce heat and cook 10-15 minutes until thickened. 

Use a rolling pin to crush crackers in a ziploc bag. 

Combine cracker crumbs, 2 c. parmesan, egg, garlic powder, 2 t. oregano and 1 t. salt.  

Add chicken and mix together with hands.  

Divide mixture into 20 (1/4 cup) equal portions. Shape into balls.  

Place in a 9x13" baking dish.  

Pour sauce over meatballs. 

Sprinkle with cheese. 

Bake in a 350 degree oven until meatballs reach 160.  (40-45 minutes)

Let cool 15 minutes.    Combine panko, 2 T. oil and 1/4 t. salt.  

Microwave panko mixture 1-2 minutes until golden brown.  

Sprinkle panko mixture over meatballs. 

Sprinkle 1/2 c. Parmesan and basil over meatballs before serving.  

I served these chicken parmesan meatballs with a side of crusty Italian bread and a salad.  I wasn't taking a stand against pasta - just short on time for a weeknight dinner.  🤷🏻‍♀️ I suspect that these beef-free meatballs would be equally delicious alongside a bowl of tagliatelle or cavatelli.  Enjoy friends.

Ciao!

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