If you’re craving a meal that’s cozy, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Meatballs Recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and effortlessly crowd-pleasing, combining seasoned ground chicken with the savory punch of Parmesan and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this easy recipe brings everyone running to the table and delivers unbeatable comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Chicken Meatballs Recipe? The ingredient list is short and sweet, but each component packs a punch. These staples not only build flavor but also help bring out the ideal texture: moist, light, and perfectly golden brown every time.
- Ground chicken: The star of the dish offers lean protein and a delicate flavor that’s perfect for soaking up spices and herbs.
- Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style): Act as the binder, keeping the meatballs soft and preventing them from falling apart.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the mildness of chicken.
- Large egg: Helps everything stick together and creates extra tenderness in the finished meatballs.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a fresh, savory kick that permeates the entire batch.
- Fresh parsley (chopped) or dried parsley: Brings a pop of color and a clean, herby note; use whichever is on hand.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle, sweet sharpness without overwhelming the flavor.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other tastes in the mix.
- Black pepper: Brings gentle warmth and spice to round out the seasoning.
- Olive oil: Ensures the meatballs stay moist while baking or pan-frying, and gives that golden, slightly crisp exterior.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, either line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light brush with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking, but it also sets you up for easier clean-up later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself!
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Grab your largest mixing bowl and add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together gently with a fork or your hands—just until combined. Over-mixing can make the meatballs tough, so stop as soon as everything looks evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a small scoop or your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place each meatball evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. If the mixture sticks to your hands, a quick trick is to lightly wet your palms with water or rub them with a touch of olive oil between batches.
Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil
Once all your meatballs are arranged on the baking sheet, lightly brush or mist the tops with olive oil. This step adds moisture and helps the meatballs bake into beautiful, golden perfection, giving them that irresistible finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through
Slide the sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. Watch for the meatballs to turn golden brown and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once they’re done, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving—this makes them extra juicy and easier to handle.
How to Serve Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
For that final flourish, sprinkle your hot chicken meatballs with a little extra chopped parsley and a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan. If you’re feeling bold, a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of good olive oil adds brightness. It’s these little touches that make the Chicken Meatballs Recipe irresistible on the plate and Instagram-worthy too.
Side Dishes
There are endless ways to complement these meatballs. Classic al dente spaghetti tossed in marinara is always a hit, but you can easily pair them with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a big green salad. Roasted veggies or sautéed spinach on the side deliver both color and nutrition, making this recipe fit for any night of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to shake up the usual routine? Use your Chicken Meatballs Recipe as a filling for sandwiches or pita wraps, pile them onto skewers for easy appetizers, or tuck them into lettuce cups for a light, low-carb bite. They’re also fantastic served in a hearty soup or over zoodles for something different and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. Reheat only what you plan to eat to preserve their moist, tender quality every time.
Freezing
This Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream! Freeze the meatballs either before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, arrange on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. If already baked, let them cool first, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For best texture, warm your meatballs gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also heat them on the stovetop in your favorite sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, just add a splash of broth or water to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works with the same ingredient measurements. Expect a slightly different flavor, but the meatballs will still be moist and delicious.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
They can be! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check the Parmesan and other labels to be sure. The Chicken Meatballs Recipe adapts easily to gluten-free diets.
What sauce goes best with chicken meatballs?
Classic marinara is always a winner, but you can branch out with pesto, creamy garlic sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy Asian glaze. These meatballs love to soak up flavors!
Can I pan-fry instead of bake?
Definitely. Just heat some olive oil over medium in a nonstick skillet, then cook the meatballs for about 10–12 minutes, turning often so all sides brown. They’ll turn out just as juicy with a slightly more golden crust.
How do I keep meatballs from sticking to my hands?
Wet your hands with a little water or olive oil before shaping each batch. This trick makes the mixture much easier to handle and helps you form neat, uniform balls every time.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Meatballs Recipe enough—it’s one of those go-to meals that works for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something hearty and homemade. Give it a try and share it with family or friends; you’re in for a true comfort food classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18–20 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These tender and flavorful chicken meatballs are a versatile and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. Baked to perfection, they are a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or pan-frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or olive oil.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper; mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush the meatballs with olive oil and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatballs rest before serving.
Notes
- Meatballs can be frozen before or after cooking.
- For pan-frying, cook in olive oil over medium heat for 10–12 minutes.
- Great with marinara, pasta, sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
