- 2
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup panko
- 2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon egg beaters
- 6 oz. ground chicken or turkey
- 2 tbsp. diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp. diced white onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 fresh basil leaves, minced
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 6 small mozzarella cubes, smoked if available, or as needed
- 2/3 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce, warmed
Preparation
Step 1
*Preheat* oven to 400 F.
*In a small bowl* combine the panko, half of the Parmesan cheese, and the olive oil. *Combine* the mixture until it's evenly coated. *Set* aside.
*In a large bowl* add the egg. *Add* the chicken, bell pepper, onion, garlic, oregano, the remaining Parmesan, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. *Mix* well with your hands.
*Lightly* coat a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. *Place* a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture in each well. *Nestle* a cube of mozzarella in the center of each. *Pat* the chicken over the cheese to completely cover it.
*Sprinkle* the panko/Parmesan mixture on top of each chicken mound, lightly pressing it into the meat.
*Bake* for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the panko is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
*Let rest* 5 minutes, then using a knife, lightly loosen each cupcake from the muffin tin.
*In the meantime*, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan.
*Serve* the cupcakes with the warmed marinara.