Easy Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs

Weeknights just got a whole lot tastier and easier with our ultimate recipe for gluten-free chicken meatballs in a vibrant homemade marinara sauce! If you're searching for a comforting, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal that caters to a gluten-free lifestyle, you've hit the jackpot. This isn't just another recipe for Italian red sauce; it’s a simple, one-dish wonder designed to bring joy to your dinner table without any complicated steps or endless ingredient lists. We’ve swapped traditional ground beef for lean, tender chicken, ensuring a healthier twist on a classic, and paired it with a bright, easy red sauce recipe that comes together in a flash. Get ready to enjoy an easy chicken with sauce dinner that’s so good, everyone will be asking for seconds – and they won't even realize it's meat balls gluten free!

Ingredients

• Chicken Meatballs
• 1 lb ground chicken breast
• ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (ensure they are certified GF)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
• Homemade Marinara Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
• 1 lb gluten-free Penne pasta (or your favorite GF pasta shape)

Directions

1. Chicken Meatballs
2. Preheat the Oven & Prepare: Get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan – this helps the meatballs bake evenly and prevents sticking.
3. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken breast, gluten-free breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, kosher salt, fresh parsley, and fresh basil. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
4. Form & Bake: Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and gently roll each into a meatball. Place one meatball into each cup of your prepared muffin pan. This method helps them cook uniformly and stay perfectly round.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the meatballs for 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here! Once cooked, remove them from the oven and set aside.
6. Homemade Marinara Sauce
7. Sauté Garlic: While the meatballs are baking, start on your delicious marinara sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it!
8. Simmer Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes. As they cook, the tomatoes will soften and begin to break down, releasing their juices and creating a lovely sauce. You can gently press them with the back of your spoon to help them along.
9. Season & Finish: Stir in the kosher salt and fresh basil. Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – a little more salt or basil can make a big difference!
10. Combine & Serve
11. Cook Pasta: While your sauce is simmering, cook your gluten-free Penne pasta according to package directions. Remember to salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor!
12. Marry the Flavors: Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is ready, gently add the baked chicken meatballs directly into the marinara sauce. Let them simmer together for 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up all that wonderful flavor from the sauce.
13. Toss & Serve: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the pan with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
14. Final Flourish: Taste one last time and adjust any seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your truly comforting and satisfying meal!