January 19, 2026 | Posted in:

[Thanks! You’re now entered to win “Around Our Table” by Sara Forte!] A Recipe for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Published: January 2026
Author: Sara Forte
Recipe origin: ‘Around Our Table: Wholesome Recipes to Feed Your Family and Friends’ by Sara Forte (published by Hardie Grant)

In her most personal cookbook yet, ‘Around Our Table,’ Sprouted Kitchen’s Sara Forte shares recipes designed for all of life’s moments, from big celebrations to the quiet times of need. These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a perfect example: a more structured take on her classic turkey meatballs from ‘Bowl + Spoon,’ crafted to be an ‘easy sell’ for picky kids and a nourishing gift for new moms.

3 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon fennel seed, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1⁄2 teaspoon sea salt
1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 large egg
1⁄3 cup / 55g panko
1⁄3 cup / 35g grated Parmesan
1⁄3 cup / 7g well-chopped flat-leaf parsley + more for garnish
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil + more for cooking
1 pound / 450g ground chicken, dark meat included

FOR THE POLENTA
1 cup / 200g polenta
Salt and pepper
2 cups / 475ml water
2 cups / 475ml milk
2 tablespoons salted butter
1 (24-ounce / 680g) jar of marinara
6 ounces / 170g mozzarella, shredded or torn
1⁄2 cup / 50g grated Parmesan + more for finishing

FOR THE CHARD
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, sliced thin
1 large bundle rainbow chard, chopped
Salt and pepper
Squeeze of lemon
Chopped parsley, for serving
Serves 4–6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic, fennel seed, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, egg, panko, Parmesan, parsley, and oil. Stir to mix well. Add the ground chicken and fold everything in to combine. Let this mixture rest for 15 minutes or in the fridge for up to a day.
Start the polenta. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the polenta, salt, pepper, and water, stir and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn the heat to low, add the milk and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 more minutes. We want it to be loose; it firms up as it cools, so add more water or milk for desired consistency. Stir in the butter and taste for seasoning. Cover and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 475°F / 245°C. Warm a thin layer of oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Form the chicken mixture into small balls and, once the oil is hot, sear the balls. About 3 minutes per side until the outsides are just golden (these can also be roasted for 15 minutes). Turn the heat to low, pour the marinara over the balls, and stir gently. Let the marinara warm up for a few minutes. Put a piece of the mozzarella on top of each ball, plus a sprinkle of Parmesan, and put the pan in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes until the cheese is just golden.
For the chard, heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chard and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon, and set aside off the heat.
Assemble your bowls. Make a pillow of polenta, add a few meatballs with sauce, and put some chard on the side. Finish it all with some fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parm.

MAKE AHEAD
Do the searing or roasting step, cover them in the marinara, and keep covered in the fridge a day in advance. To finish, bring the dish to room temperature, add the cheese, and add 5 more minutes to the baking step. To freeze, cook them all the way through during that searing step, cool, cover them in sauce, then package and freeze them.

CHANGE IT UP
Dairy free: You can get away without using the cheese; just increase the panko to 1⁄2 cup / 65g and skip the cheese topping. Use a nondairy milk and butter in the polenta.

Gluten free: Almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs may be used as a substitute for the panko. I would suggest keeping the balls small.

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March 12, 2025 | Posted in:

A large pot of chicken and sausage gumbo.

David’s Chicken & Sausage Gumbo


Submitted by: David J.
Recipe origin: Louisiana / West Virginia

Until my daughters went away to college, we had family dinner almost every night. Cooking brought us all together.

Ingredients:
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 pound smoked sausage
1 cup butter
1 cup flour
2 cups diced onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced bell peppers
¼ cup minced garlic
3 quarts chicken stock
2 cups sliced green onions
½ cup chopped parsley
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp dried thyme
Salt and cracked pepper (this gumbo is pepper with lots of pepper)
Louisiana hot sauce to taste
Filé

Cut the chicken into ½” cubes and the sausage into ½” slices. In an 8-quart Dutch oven, heat butter over medium-high heat. Sprinkle in flour and, using a wire whisk or roux spoon, stir constantly until brown (or dark brown) Cajun roux is achieved. Do not allow roux to scorch. Add onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3-5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Add chicken stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly until all is incorporated. Add in the chicken and sausage. Bring to a rolling coil, reduce to simmer, and cook approximately 1 hour. Skim any fat or oil that rises to the top of the pot. Add green onions, bay leaves, and thyme. Season to taste using salt, pepper, and hot sauce. Cook an additional 30 minutes or longer if necessary, until chicken is tender and falling apart. Add parsley and adjust seasonings if necessary. Stir in some filé to taste. Serve over hot, steamed white rice.

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February 11, 2022 | Posted in:

Superbowl worthy crispy chicken wings

Superbowl worthy air fryer chicken wings

I’m new to the Air Fryer trend, but ever since we got ours, I’ve been experimenting with cooking different things in it. It’s definitely a useful appliance! But its moment of glory is really when it comes to cooking things extra crispy without deep frying them. Take the humble chicken wing. It’s like it was meant for the air fryer. And with the big game coming up on the weekend, we can’t think of a better time to use this trendy appliance!

Ingredient list

2lb chicken wings
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup hot sauce
Fresh ground pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredient list

Instructions
In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika cayenne pepper, and salt. Sprinkle dry mix over wings, and refrigerate for 60-90 mins, uncovered.
Heat air fryer to 380. Spray the rack with non stick spray. Line chicken wings on the rack in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch one another. You may need to cook them in two batches. Cook 12 minutes, turn, cook another 12 minutes.
While they are cooking, mix butter, hot sauce and pepper in sauce pan and cook over low heat until melted.
Turn the heat up to 400 and cook an additional 5-7 minutes, until crispy.
Remove wings and toss in hot sauce mixture, or serve as a dipping sauce. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing!

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June 16, 2019 | Posted in:

Quick weeknight chicken parmesan

Ingredient list

3/4 cup flour
Salt and pepper
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups Italian bread crumbs
Italian seasoning
2 pounds chicken cutlets
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 (26 oz.) jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
8-12 ounces shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan)
Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. In a shallow dish, combine flour with 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. In a bowl, beat together eggs and 2 Tbsp. water. Place bread crumbs in another shallow dish.

2. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, letting excess drain. Dredge in bread crumbs, pressing on gently.

3. In a large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium/high heat. Add cutlets. Cook until golden, usually 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a 9 x 13 glass baking dish. Continue cooking with oil and chicken until all chicken cutlets are done. Can add more coconut oil if needed.

4. Pour spaghetti sauce on top of cutlets generously. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top of the sauce for some extra flavor. Sprinkle cheeses generously on top. Cook for approximately 20-25 minutes.

5. Can serve over pasta or on its own.

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May 15, 2019 | Posted in:

Quick and easy grilled chicken breast kebabs

chicken kebabs v
Ingredient list

1 oz. packet of Ranch Dry Salad Dressing Mix
2 T. Vegetable Oil
1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1/2″ cubes
Green, yellow, & red bell pepper, cut in squares
Onion, cut into square pieces
Instructions

Combine 1 oz. packet of Ranch Dry Salad Dressing Mix with 2 tablespoon vegetable oil. Cut 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts into cubes. Marinate chicken in mixture 15 minutes. Place chicken, peppers, and onions alternately on 8 skewers. Brush with remaining marinade. Grill for 10 mins or until done.

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May 14, 2019 | Posted in:

One pot chicken with lime and cilantro

Lime_LR-3
Ingredient list

-1.5 lbs chicken cut into 1-2 inch cubes
-1/3 cup olive oil + 2 tbsp
– Juice of 2 limes
-1 tbsp vinegar
– 3 cloves minced garlic divided
-1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
– 1 tsp cumin
-1/4 large white onion diced (about 3/4 cup)
-6 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes diced
-1 tsp Salt plus more to taste
-Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Make your marinade: Combine oil, lime juice, zest, vinegar, 1 clove garlic, fresh coriander, and cumin. Blend until well combined. Pour marinade over chicken reserving about 2 tbsp of marinade to set aside.
3. Heat an oven proof skiller to medium- medium high heat. Once hot, add 2 tbsp oil. Toss in diced onion and potatoes. Saute for 3-5 minutes, then add garlic. Season with salt. Saute another 2-3 mins.
4. Add chicken and transfer to oven.
5. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and potatoes are done.
6. Salt and pepper to taste, top with remaining 2 tbsp of marinade.

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March 6, 2019 | Posted in:

Chicken Marsala

Ingredient list

4 cups bowtie pasta
vegetable oil for cooking
2 chicken breasts
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. garlic salt
1/2 cup onion chopped (optional)
1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped (optional)
1 cup marsala cooking wine
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-ripened dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cut chicken breasts into 1/2″-1″ cubes. Add cut chicken, flour, parmesan cheese, and garlic salt to a gallon sized ziplock bag. Shake to coat chicken. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to a skillet. Brown the chicken in skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until chicken is cooked throughout and vegetables are crisp tender. Pour marsala cooking wine into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Allow wine to simmer for 5 minutes. Add heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes to the saucepan and continue simmering for 5 more minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, chicken (and vegetables), and creamy marsala sauce. Stir to coat noodles. The mixture will be pretty liquidy. Pour everything into a 9×13″ dish. Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

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March 2, 2019 | Posted in:

Chicken Bow Tie salad

Ingredient list

4 chicken breasts
6 cups bow tie macaroni (cook 12 min. and drain)
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 16 oz low cal coleslaw dressing (Kraft)
2 cups non fat mayo or yogurt
2 dashes of thyme
2 pinches of ginger
2 cups chopped celery
4 cups red grapes halved
2-20 oz cans pineapple tidbits
1/1/2 cup sliced almonds if desired
Instructions

Mix all ingredients UP TO the celery the night before or early in the day.
Then add: celery, grapes, pineapple and almonds if desired.
Stir carefully and then serve as a salad or on pita bread.

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November 8, 2016 | Posted in:

Moroccan Chicken Stew

moroccan-stew_1

moroccan-stew_3
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 50 min.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
8 chicken pieces, bone-in, skin-on (thighs, drumsticks, half chicken breast)
2 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp paprika
½ tsp allspice
1 (796mL) can chopped tomatoes
2 ½ cups chicken stock
4 cups diced butternut squash
1 cup pitted green olives
1 cup golden raisins
1 (540 mL) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ cup roughly chopped cilantro, plus extra to serve
Lemon wedges, to serve
Yogurt, to serve

Directions

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken pieces. Then, brown chicken pieces on all sides, about 3 min., per side. Set aside on a plate lined with paper towel. Drain all but 1 tbsp fat from pan.

2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 min. Add salt and spices, cook 1 min. Add diced tomatoes and chicken stock. Stir in butternut squash, green olives and raisins. Add chicken pieces back into pot and make sure they are covered by liquid. Bring stock to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, covered, for 30-40 mins., until chicken pieces are cooked through.

3. Stir in chickpeas and cilantro. Serve with couscous, brown rice or crusty bread. Top with extra cilantro, a squeeze of lemon and a dollop of yogurt to serve.

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September 17, 2016 | Posted in:

BBQ chicken pizza

pizza_1

pizza_3
Prep Time: 10 min.
Total Time: 1 hour, 30 min.

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

1 pkg (8g) active dry yeast
1 cup lukewarm water
1 tsp sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing

Pizza Toppings

½ cup pizza sauce
¼ cup BBQ sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup sliced red onion
1 cup shredded, cooked, deli chicken
¼ cup chopped cilantro

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine water with yeast and sugar. Let sit until bubbly, about 10 min. Add flour, salt and olive oil. Mix until mixture comes together to form a dough. Knead for 10 min., until dough is smooth and elastic. Use extra flour for dusting if the dough is sticky. Place dough in a clean, greased bowl and cover with a damp tea towel to double in size, about 1 hour.

2. Roll out dough into a large rectangle, until ½-inch thick. Heat BBQ to medium heat. Before grilling pizza, have all of the ingredients prepped and ready to go on a large baking sheet next to the BBQ. Brush top of dough with olive oil. Place on hot grill, olive oil side down. Cook, 2-3 min., until just cooked. Flip dough and quickly add sauce and toppings. Close the lid and let pizza grill for 3-5 min., until cheese has melted and dough is cooked through. If dough smells like it’s scorching or burning on the grill, move it to a cooler spot on the grill to continue cooking. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

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