Spicy Chicken Zucchini Meatballs

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These great spicy chicken zucchini meatballs begin with hot Italian sausage from the grocery; if your family prefers less spicy meatballs, look for “sweet Italian” chicken sausage. These are low-carb, too, since shredded zucchini replaces bread crumbs. You can use these meatballs in a main dish, with pasta or zoodles and a sauce of your choice, or use picks to dip in marinara sauce as an appetizer.

By Brenda Venable
Published on September 12, 2023
pale green ceramic tray of small meatballs with glass of colorful toothpicks and small bowl of marinara sauce
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
6
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 cup packed shredded zucchini

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 pounds bulk hot Italian chicken sausage

  • 1/2 cup minced onion

  • 1/2 cup grated pecorino Romano cheese

  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • olive oil cooking spray

  • 1 cup prepared marinara sauce (optional)

Directions

  1. Make a bed of clean kitchen towels or paper towels, and spread out the zucchini shreds on it. Lightly sprinkle with salt, and allow to sit while preparing the other ingredients, about 15 minutes.

  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), and line a 12x18-inch sheet pan with parchment or foil.

  3. În a large mixing bowl, combine chicken sausage, onion, pecorino Romano cheese, and garlic.

  4. Roll up the towel bed with grated zucchini like a jelly roll, pressing as you go, to squeeze out excess liquid. Unroll, and add zucchini shreds to the other ingredients. Add egg and stir until all meatball ingredients are mixed well.

  5. Form mixture into 18 to 20 2-inch meatballs and place on the prepared pan. Spray lightly with olive oil spray.

  6. Bake meatballs in the center of the preheated oven until lightly browned, and an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) inserted near the center of meatballs, 25 to 30 minutes.

  7. Serve with purchased marinara as a dipping sauce, if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

275 Calories
15g Fat
3g Carbs
31g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 275
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 142mg 47%
Sodium 1039mg 45%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 31g 62%
Vitamin C 7mg 7%
Calcium 113mg 9%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 482mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.