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Home » RECIPE » Dinner » Chicken » Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Meatballs

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Meatballs

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By: Shinee Published: 7/13/2015Updated: 11/23/2021

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These pesto mozzarella chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make in just 3 simple steps. Stunning and delicious appetizer in minutes!
These pesto mozzarella chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make in just 3 simple steps. Stunning and delicious appetizer in minutes!

Ok, who doesn’t love easy-peasy party food, right?

Sometimes, we simply want beautifully presented, delicious and, preferably, make-ahead appetizers for cocktail parties, celebrations and gatherings.

Well, you’re definitely in the right place, my friend. These gorgeous little chicken meatballs with cheesy surprise inside will be the highlight of any cocktail party. I promise.

These pesto mozzarella chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make in just 3 simple steps. Stunning and delicious appetizer in minutes!

The best part, these chicken meatballs come together in just 30 minutes and in 3 simple steps that anyone can do!

Since pictures worth thousand words, here you go.

Pesto mozzarella chicken meatballs- step by step photo tutorial

Quick tip! It helps if you lightly wet your hands before you form the meatballs. That way the meat won’t obnoxiously stick to your hands.

These pesto mozzarella chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make in just 3 simple steps. Stunning and delicious appetizer in minutes!

Now, doesn’t that look amazing?! Cheeeeeeese!

If you aren’t hosting any party in near future, but want to try these meatballs, they make an easy dinner over some pasta. Yum!

Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Meatballs

These pesto mozzarella chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and super easy to make in just 3 simple steps. Stunning and delicious appetizer in minutes!
5 from 1 vote
serves: 26 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Total : 30 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup 30gr Panko, Japanese breadcrumbs
  • 1 lb 450gr boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves of garlic pressed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup 80gr basil pesto, plus 2 tablespoons
  • 2.5 oz 65gr mini fresh mozzarella cheese balls
  • Parmigiano Reggiano freshly grated, optional
Note: I test all my recipes with both measurements for the most precise and accurate result!

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the Panko in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs. Add chicken, egg, garlic, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons pesto. Pulse until smooth.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop, divide the meat mixture into uniform meatballs. You will get about 25-26 of them. Flatten each meatball and place mini mozzarella ball in the middle. With slightly dampened hand, roll the meatballs between your palms, making sure the cheese is fully covered. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, lined with silicone mat. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
  • Coat the cooked meatballs with remaining 1/3 cup pesto, sprinkle some Parmigiano Reggiano and serve.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 47kcal (2%) Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 5g (10%) Fat: 2g (3%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 19mg (6%) Sodium: 152mg (7%) Potassium: 71mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 79IU (2%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 20mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
* Disclaimer: All nutrition information are estimates only. Read full disclosure here.
Author: Shinee
Course:Appetizer
Cuisine:American
Did you make this?Show me your creation! Tag me @shineshka and hashtag it #sweetandsavorybyshinee!
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  1. Christine in Los Angeles says

    Posted on 14 February 2018 at 5:49 pm

    Mozzarella inside the meatball is my standard recipe, but I cook them on top of the stove.
    For those of us who can’t bend down, to the oven … would somerhing gross happen to the pesto, if they were browned on the stove top?

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 16 February 2018 at 9:27 pm

      Hi, Christine! Yes, you can cook the meatballs on stovetop.

      Reply
  2. Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says

    Posted on 26 May 2016 at 6:20 am

    These are absolutely adorable! I can see how they’d disappear in a heartbeat. And I’m totally loving those spoons in the first photo!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 26 May 2016 at 9:21 pm

      Thanks, Ashley!

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    Posted on 26 July 2015 at 8:58 am

    This is so cool! I love this appetizer 😀

    Reply
  4. Brian says

    Posted on 24 July 2015 at 6:28 am

    So simple and yet so tasty, I assume… I’ll be making this recipe at my next dinner party or gathering! Thanks.

    Reply
  5. Erin @ Thanks for Cookin'! says

    Posted on 23 July 2015 at 11:38 pm

    I’ve never thought to use my food processor to grind chicken. How easy! I would definitely throw these on top of some pasta! Y. U. M.

    (Found you on #FoodieFriDIY!!)

    Reply
  6. Kari says

    Posted on 23 July 2015 at 11:00 pm

    This is genius! What a great idea! I love the unique creativity! And I just bought some basil too! I’m in the mood for some pesto!

    Reply
  7. Joann Woolley says

    Posted on 23 July 2015 at 3:04 am

    I love meatballs and am imagining that delicious mozzerella cheese melting in my mouth. Can’t wait to give this one a try…. pinning to my appetizers board now!

    Reply
  8. Valerie says

    Posted on 22 July 2015 at 11:00 pm

    Yum this looks so good, I love anything pesto and cheese!

    Reply
  9. Teddee Grace says

    Posted on 22 July 2015 at 2:29 pm

    How could one make these without a food processor? They sound great.

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 23 July 2015 at 9:32 am

      Hi, Teddee! You could use ground chicken and mix everything by hand. Or if you have a small meat grinder, you could grind the chicken breast and the mix with the remaining ingredients by hand. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  10. DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says

    Posted on 22 July 2015 at 12:43 pm

    Hi Shinee, I’m delighted to have met you this past weekend at #FWCon. And yes, these meatballs would be perfect for a party because of their easy preparation that can be made beforehand, then popped in the oven once guests arrive!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 23 July 2015 at 9:33 am

      Yes, it was wonderful meeting you, DB!! What a fun weekend we had at Food & Wine conference! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

      Reply
  11. Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says

    Posted on 22 July 2015 at 6:24 am

    I can tell these would be a huge hit at my next family get together!

    Reply
  12. Paula says

    Posted on 22 July 2015 at 12:43 am

    I am so trying these tonight! Why wait for a party? 🙂

    Reply
  13. laura says

    Posted on 21 July 2015 at 11:36 pm

    These look yummy!  Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  14. Carlee says

    Posted on 21 July 2015 at 7:43 pm

    These look amazing!  I could sit down with a whole bowl of them!

    Reply
  15. joybee83 says

    Posted on 21 July 2015 at 12:34 pm

    Yummy.  These look delicious and pretty simple.  I love that they are made from regular whole chicken breast.  Pre-ground chicken can be kind of expensive and this way you know exactly what part of the chicken is in your meatball (it’s also easier–for me–to find chicken pieces than ground chicken at my local stores).

    Reply
  16. Erlene says

    Posted on 20 July 2015 at 9:20 pm

    These look amazing and something the whole family would enjoy. I hope you can share this on the Merry Monday party. Pinned.

    Reply
  17. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says

    Posted on 14 July 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Pesto and mozz are delicious! These look great 🙂

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 15 July 2015 at 8:36 am

      Agreed. Thank you, Medha!! 😉

      Reply
  18. Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says

    Posted on 13 July 2015 at 4:37 pm

    What a great idea, Shinee! These meatballs look absolutely scrumptious. I love the cheese surprise inside…and pesto is everything!

    Reply
    • Shinee says

      Posted on 15 July 2015 at 8:28 am

      Thank you, dear!

      Reply
      • Sharon P says

        Posted on 23 May 2016 at 8:46 pm

        These meatballs only lasted minutes! This recipe is a winner!

        Reply
        • Shinee says

          Posted on 24 May 2016 at 6:24 pm

          Thank you, Sharon! So happy you all enjoyed the meatballs. 🙂

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