Hailey Bieber’s Viral Chicken Cottage Cheese Meatballs are a high-protein twist on classic Italian-style meatballs. Made with lean chicken mince, cottage cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs, and tomato basil sauce, these tender meatballs are finished with extra cottage cheese and Parmesan for a creamy, satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
These chicken meatballs are flavorful, protein-packed, and simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Cottage cheese adds moisture and richness while keeping the meatballs tender, and the tomato basil sauce creates a comforting Italian-inspired finish. They’re versatile, meal-prep friendly, and pair beautifully with pasta, vegetables, or crusty bread.
What Is the Dish?
Chicken meatballs are a lighter variation of traditional Italian polpette, which are typically made with beef, pork, or a combination of meats. Italian meatballs have a long history as a practical and comforting dish, with families creating their own versions using available ingredients, herbs, cheese, and leftover bread.
This viral version reflects a modern approach to classic comfort food by incorporating cottage cheese, an ingredient that has become popular in high-protein cooking. Fun fact: cottage cheese has been used in fitness-focused recipes for decades because it is naturally rich in protein and has a mild flavor that blends easily into both savory and sweet dishes. Adding it to meatballs helps create a softer texture while increasing the protein content.
Cooking Tips
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use damp hands when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Brown the meatballs before adding sauce to develop deeper flavor.
- Make sure chicken meatballs reach a safe internal temperature before serving.
- Add fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or chilli flakes for additional flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative and creates a similar texture.
Does Cottage Cheese Make the Meatballs Taste Different?
Cottage cheese has a mild flavor, so it mainly adds creaminess and moisture rather than a strong cheese taste.
Can I Bake These Chicken Meatballs Instead?
Yes. Bake them on a lined baking tray until cooked through, then warm them in the tomato sauce before serving.
Can I Use Another Sauce?
Absolutely. Marinara, roasted tomato sauce, creamy tomato sauce, or pesto can all work well.
What Can I Serve With Chicken Cottage Cheese Meatballs?
Serve them with pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
How to Store
Store leftover chicken cottage cheese meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them with the tomato sauce to help maintain moisture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 500g chicken mince (raw)
- 1 large egg
- 75g breadcrumbs
- 240g cottage cheese, divided
- ½ tbsp dried mixed herbs
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- 10g Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking and Serving
- 450g tomato basil pasta sauce
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Hailey Bieber's Viral Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine chicken mince, half of the cottage cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, dried herbs, garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and set aside.
- Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook on one side for 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Flip the meatballs and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour the tomato basil sauce into the pan and cover.
- Cook for another 6–8 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Spoon remaining cottage cheese over the meatballs and finish with extra Parmesan before serving.
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