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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November 18, 2025 | Posted in:

Stuffing Just like Nanny Mac made

Published on: November 20th/2025
Author: Leanne J.
Recipe origin: Canada

In Leanne’s words:
Nanny Mac had many stories of food as well. She had to feed her family and her boarders on a widows pension. When she tried to supplement her income by selling her delicious baking, her subsidy was cut off. When I was growing up, we often ate meals at her apartment. I remember how cozy it was. Simple, yet delicious food. Always a dessert after.

3/4 cup of butter
2 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 cup each chopped celery and fennel (or 2 cups celery) including celery leaves
4 tsp dried sage (don’t be shy)
1 tsp each salt, marjoram, savory and pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
14 cups cubed white bread
1 cup chopped fresh parsley

In large skillet melt butter over medium heat, cook onions, celery, celery leaves, fennel, sage, salt, savory, marjoram, pepper and thyme, stirring often for 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Toss with cubed bread and parsley.

Can put in turkey and cook in the bird. We usually put in casserole dish and cook in 350° oven until hot, basting with turkey fat as the turkey cooks.

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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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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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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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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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July 18, 2016 | Posted in:

Best BBQ Chicken

BBQ Chicken_1

BBQ Chicken_3
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Total Time: 40 mins.

Ingredients:

4 chicken drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
2 chicken breast, bone-in, skin-on, cut in half
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Preparation Instructions:

1. In a large bowl toss chicken pieces with olive oil and a good seasoning of salt and pepper.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat. Once grill is hot, place chicken pieces on grill. Turn chicken pieces every few minutes for about 15-20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, start basting chicken pieces with BBQ sauce.
4. Continue cooking chicken for an additional 10 minutes, turning and basting with sauce often. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the middle and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with grilled vegetables.

Tips for the best BBQ chicken

• Make your own homemade BBQ sauce. You can mix up the flavor, spices and fresh herbs.
• Always season your chicken pieces well with salt and pepper or use a spice rub.
• Preheat your BBQ well before placing chicken on the grill.
• Always cook chicken until it’s almost cooked through before adding BBQ sauce. The sugar in the BBQ sauce will caramelize and burn if you put it on too soon.

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| Posted in:

BBQ chicken

BBQ Chicken_1

BBQ Chicken_3
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Total Time: 40 mins.

Ingredients:

4 chicken drumsticks, bone-in, skin-on
4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
2 chicken breast, bone-in, skin-on, cut in half
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup BBQ sauce

Preparation Instructions:

1. In a large bowl toss chicken pieces with olive oil and a good seasoning of salt and pepper.
2. Preheat grill to medium heat. Once grill is hot, place chicken pieces on grill. Turn chicken pieces every few minutes for about 15-20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, start basting chicken pieces with BBQ sauce.
4. Continue cooking chicken for an additional 10 minutes, turning and basting with sauce often. Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the middle and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with grilled vegetables.

Tips for the best BBQ chicken

• Make your own homemade BBQ sauce. You can mix up the flavor, spices and fresh herbs.
• Always season your chicken pieces well with salt and pepper or use a spice rub.
• Preheat your BBQ well before placing chicken on the grill.
• Always cook chicken until it’s almost cooked through before adding BBQ sauce. The sugar in the BBQ sauce will caramelize and burn if you put it on too soon.

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March 4, 2014 | Posted in:

Coq-au-vin

This is one of those recipes that I often make, but never with an actual recipe! It’s a no-fail favorite with friends and family!

Ingredients

8 oz (1 package) sliced mushrooms- cremini works best!
50g pancetta- diced
10 pearl onions
1 tsp butter
1 tsp fresh thyme
2 tbsp butter
9 chicken thighs
1/4 cup flour
1 bottle red wine

Preparation Instructions

Melt 1 tsp butter in a heavy bottom pan. Brown mushrooms, pancetta and pearl onions. Remove from heat. Dredge chicken in flour. Brown in additional butter. Add fresh thyme. Return mushrooms, pancetta and onion to the pan. Add wine. Turn heat down and simmer 1 hour, or until chicken is cooked through and soft.

Although it’s not the traditional way to serve it, I love serving Coq-au-vin on cheesy egg noodles. I find Gruyere or Emmenthal cheese has the best flavor to accompany the sauce, but swiss cheese works just as well!

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