Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

Have you ever walked through your kitchen at the end of a long day, wondering what to make that won’t take hours but will still satisfy those comfort food cravings? That’s exactly when this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella comes to the rescue. The moment these tender chicken meatballs start sizzling in the pan, your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone in. Nestled in a crusty baguette, smothered in homemade tomato sauce, and topped with melty fresh mozzarella that stretches with every bite, this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella transforms an ordinary weeknight into something special.

What makes this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella truly exceptional is how it balances simplicity with incredible flavor. Whether you’re hosting an impromptu gathering or looking for a satisfying family meal, this sub sandwich delivers restaurant-quality taste with ingredients you likely already have on hand. The contrast between the hearty meatballs, tangy sauce, and creamy mozzarella creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

• ✅ Quick homemade Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella ready in under 45 minutes
• ✅ Perfect healthy Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella with lean protein and fresh ingredients
• ✅ Versatile Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella that can be customized with your favorite toppings
• ✅ Budget-friendly Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella that tastes like it’s from an Italian deli
• ✅ Great for meal prep – the meatballs for this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella freeze beautifully

Ingredients for Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g)
• 1 sweet onion, minced (220g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (15g)
• 1 pound ground chicken (454g) – you can substitute ground turkey for a similar taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (35g)
• 1 teaspoon oregano (3g)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (6g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes – adjust according to your heat preference
• 1 egg (57g)
• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (63g) – for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko crumbs
• Olive oil, as needed for cooking

For the Tomato Sauce and Sandwich Assembly:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g)
• 1 small onion, minced (170g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (17g)
• 4 to 5 fresh tomatoes, roughly chopped (or one 15-ounce can)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh basil, to taste
• 1 baguette, halved and cut into 4 pieces – for a healthier option, choose whole grain
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced (227g)
• Pepperoncini or other hot peppers, optional for extra zing

How to Make Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella – Step by Step

Preparing the Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced sweet onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Remove half of the onion and garlic mixture and place in a large mixing bowl to cool slightly. Keep the remaining mixture in the pan for the sauce.

Step 4: To the mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, tomato paste, oregano, chopped basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, egg, and breadcrumbs. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix or the meatballs will be tough.

Step 5: Form the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Heat additional olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 10-12 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Making the Tomato Sauce

Step 7: Using the same pan with the reserved onion and garlic mixture, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.

Step 8: Add the additional minced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

Step 9: Stir in the additional minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 10: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 11: Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 12: Stir in the fresh basil and remove from heat. For a smoother sauce, you can blend using an immersion blender.

Assembling the Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

Step 13: Preheat your oven’s broiler.

Step 14: Slice the baguette pieces in half horizontally and lightly toast them under the broiler, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 15: Spread a generous amount of tomato sauce on the bottom half of each baguette piece.

Step 16: Arrange 4 meatballs on each bottom half. Top with more sauce.

Step 17: Layer slices of fresh mozzarella over the meatballs, ensuring good coverage.

Step 18: Place the assembled bottom halves under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 19: Add pepperoncini or hot peppers if desired, top with the other half of the baguette, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

• Meat selection matters: For the juiciest Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella, use ground chicken thighs instead of breast meat, which contains more fat for flavor and moisture.
• Don’t overwork the meatball mixture: Mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender.
• Test for seasoning: Cook a tiny piece of the meatball mixture before forming all the meatballs to check if it needs more seasoning.
• Even sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size, ensuring even cooking.
• Make ahead: The meatballs and sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated, making assembly quick when you’re ready to eat.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

This hearty Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella deserves perfect accompaniments. Serve alongside a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal with contrasting textures. A side of garlic roasted potato wedges adds another layer of comfort to the experience.

For an Italian-style gathering, pair these subs with antipasto skewers and a light Italian Chopped Salad. The best way to serve this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella is family-style, allowing everyone to add their preferred amount of additional sauce, peppers, or herbs.

For drinks, a light Italian red wine like Chianti complements the flavors beautifully, or try a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

Per serving (1 sub):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg

This Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella can be made lighter by using whole grain bread, reducing cheese portions, or adding more vegetables.

Storage & Leftovers

Your Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella components store beautifully for later enjoyment:

• Meatballs and sauce: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing meatballs: Place cooked, cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm meatballs and sauce on the stovetop or microwave before assembling fresh subs.
• Avoid storing assembled subs: For best texture, store components separately and assemble just before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella

What type of bread is best for a Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella?

The ideal bread for a Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella has a crusty exterior and soft interior. French baguettes, Italian rolls, or ciabatta all work wonderfully. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the meatballs and sauce without falling apart but not so thick that it overwhelms the fillings.

How can I make my chicken meatballs more flavorful for this sub?

To enhance the flavor of meatballs for your Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella, add grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture, use fresh herbs instead of dried, and don’t skip browning them properly. Another secret is adding a tablespoon of ricotta cheese to the mix for extra moisture and flavor.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for a quick version of this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella. Look for good quality chicken or turkey meatballs, thaw them according to package directions, and warm them in your homemade sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow them to absorb some of the flavor before assembling the subs.

What other toppings go well with a Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella?

Beyond fresh mozzarella, excellent toppings for your Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella include sautéed bell peppers and onions, roasted red peppers, fresh arugula, pickled vegetables, thinly sliced red onion, or a drizzle of pesto. For extra richness, consider adding a spread of ricotta or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about biting into a homemade Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella – the way the cheese stretches, the juicy meatballs bursting with flavor, and that perfect sauce soaking lightly into the bread. What makes this recipe stand out is its adaptability and reliability; it’s fancy enough for weekend entertaining yet simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. The combination of lean protein, fresh ingredients, and that irresistible melted mozzarella creates a meal that satisfies both your hunger and your soul.

Share your experience making this Chicken Meatball Sub with Gobs of Fresh Mozzarella in the comments below! Did you add any special toppings or make any tasty modifications? We’d love to hear how it turned out for you!

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