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Quick Zucchini Noodles with Mini Chicken Feta and Spinach Meatballs. picture

Zucchini Noodles with Mini Chicken Feta and Spinach Meatballs.

Mini chicken, feta and spinach meatballs baked and served over sautéed zucchini noodles (zoodles) with lemon, garlic and oregano.
Prep Time 34 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 17 minutes
Servings: 30 servings
Course: Main Course

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cupsfresh baby spinach
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 4 ouncesfeta cheese crumbled, plus extra for topping
  • 1 poundlean ground chicken
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoonworcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cupseasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/4 teaspoonpepper
  • 3 tablespoonsfresh oregano plus extra for sprinkling
  • 2 medium zucchini squash spiralized
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 tablespoonunsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • pinchred pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon juiced

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large Skillet
  • Spiralizer
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a food processor, combine 2 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach and 3 garlic cloves. Pulse until the spinach is chopped into small pieces but not pureed.
  3. With the processor running, drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil, add half of the feta (2 ounces), and pulse just a few times more to combine. Transfer the spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Finely chop 3 tablespoons fresh oregano and add it to the bowl with the spinach mixture. Add 1 pound lean ground chicken, 1 large lightly beaten egg, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/3 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined.
  5. If the mixture is too wet to form, add more breadcrumbs a little at a time up to a total of 1/2 cup. Once the texture is workable, add the remaining feta (about 2 ounces) and mix just enough to distribute it.
  6. Shape the mixture into about 30 mini meatballs (roughly 1/2-inch diameter each). Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or no pink in the center and they feel firm). Remove from the oven and keep warm.
  8. While the meatballs bake, spiralize the 2 medium zucchini into noodles and pat them lightly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  9. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. When the butter has melted, add the 2 minced garlic cloves and a pinch of red pepper flakes; cook about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
  10. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon, then add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat and cook, tossing often, until the zoodles are softened slightly, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  11. To serve, divide the zoodles among plates, top with the mini chicken, feta and spinach meatballs, and sprinkle with extra crumbled feta and additional fresh oregano as desired.