How to Make Chicken Meatballs Just Like NYC’s Meatball Shop

Who doesn’t love meatballs? They’re the classic comfort food, a go-to favorite of every child in America. They can be tiny or gigantic. They can bathed in a spicy ragu, smothered in gravy, or swimming in a sweet tomato sauce. They can be made of lamb, chicken, and everything in between. Nowadays, even vegetarians can enjoy them.

It was only a matter of time before this timeless standby was swept up into the world of trendy New York City eateries. Enter The Meatball Shop, your one-stop shop for an entire menu devoted to the humble meatball. It’s easy to see why everyone raves about these balls: you can have them in a seasonal salad, in a homestyle sauce ladled over your favorite pasta, on a super messy and delicious meatball sandwich, or, if you’re a purist, just “naked.”

Photo by Becca Miller

Unfortunately, like many trendy, hip places in New York, The Meatball Shop can be expensive, which is a problem if you find yourselves craving these delicious ‘balls on a regular basis. So, we came up with a solution: why not buy the ingredients in bulk, and make them yourself? Plus, you’ll be able to impress all your friends with your mad kitchen skills.

After a field trip down to the Lower East Side, home turf of The Meatball Shop, we’ve created a copycat recipe for the chicken meatball, simmered in homemade tomato sauce. So forget about going out tonight. This is what you’re having for dinner.

Homemade Tomato Sauce

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 5 minutesTotal time: 20 minutesServings:4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 28 oz tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. 
   

   Sauté two cloves of garlic in olive oil over medium heat without burning the garlic. Cook until brown.

2. 
   

   Add tomato puree, salt, red pepper and oregano cook over extra low. Keep the sauce warm until meatballs are ready.

Meatball Shop Chicken Meatballs

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 30 minutesTotal time: 35 minutesServings:4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1 cup stale bread, cut into chunks
• 3 cup milk
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (2 teaspoons dry)
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (2 teaspoons dry)
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line baking tray with parchment paper.

2. 
   

   Soak bread in milk until the bread has fully absorbed milk, about 15 minutes.

3. 
   

   Add soaked bread, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mix with hands until combined.

   #SpoonTip: Make sure to WASH THOSE HANDS.

4. 
   

   Shape the meatballs with a 1 1/2 inch ice cream scoop and place each meatball on the tray. Leave 1/2 inch of space between each one.

5. 
   

   Bake for 20 minutes at 375˚F, then transfer meatballs to saucepan with sauce and cook for 10 more minutes on low heat.

6. 
   

   To serve, eat straight from the pot (they’re that good), or serve on slider roll and top with fresh parmesan cheese.

• Meat Lover