If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile, this Chicken Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen arsenal. Juicy, tender, and bursting with fresh herbs and savory Parmesan, these meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. They come together quickly with simple ingredients that make a big impact, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or serving up at your next gathering. Whether baked or pan-fried, these chicken meatballs deliver a satisfying bite that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in building the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. Everything from the fresh parsley to the Parmesan cheese works in harmony to create meatballs that are anything but ordinary.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base providing tender and juicy meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style): Helps bind the meat and adds texture without heaviness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the meatballs with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or pan-frying): Ensures a golden crust and moist interior.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your meatballs come out perfectly shaped and golden brown.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gather the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until just combined. Be gentle here—over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we want them tender and juicy.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using a small scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This size ensures even cooking and bite-sized convenience.
Step 4: Add Olive Oil and Bake
Lightly brush or spray the tops of the meatballs with olive oil. This step creates a lovely golden exterior as they bake. Pop them in the oven for 18–20 minutes, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and showcase a beautiful golden finish.
Step 5: Rest and Enjoy
Once baked, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Now they’re ready to become the star of your meal, whether you’re serving them straight from the oven or getting creative with sauces and sides.
How to Serve Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan right before serving adds lovely color and flavor contrast that elevates these chicken meatballs to something truly special. A bit of red pepper flakes can also add a hint of spice if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine alongside classic pasta with marinara sauce, a fresh green salad for a light twist, or even creamy mashed potatoes for pure comfort. The versatility means you can easily pair them with whatever you have on hand or feel like eating.
Creative Ways to Present
Try wrapping these meatballs in buns with your favorite sauce for party sliders, or skewer them for a fun appetizer at your next gathering. They also work beautifully tossed into a nourishing soup or served over a bed of zoodles for a low-carb delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh for quick heating later, saving you time on busy days.
Freezing
Chicken meatballs freeze really well—whether raw or cooked. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months, making future meals a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat thawed meatballs gently in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them covered for a quick option, but the oven or stove preserves texture best.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give you similar flavor and texture, just watch cooking times as turkey can sometimes cook slightly faster.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
They can be! Simply make sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe perfect for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I bake the meatballs without olive oil on top?
You can skip the olive oil, but adding it helps achieve that perfect golden crust and keeps the meatballs moist, so it’s highly recommended for best results.
How do I keep chicken meatballs from being dry?
The key is not to over-mix the meat and to use a good binder like breadcrumbs and egg. Olive oil helps too. Baking at a high temperature for a short time seals in the juices for tender meatballs.
Can I double this Chicken Meatballs Recipe?
Yes! The recipe scales well. Just make sure you don’t crowd the baking sheet to ensure each meatball cooks evenly and beautifully browned.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Meatballs Recipe—a true crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and endlessly adaptable. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a cozy night in or a fun dinner party centerpiece. Once you taste how juicy and flavorful these meatballs are, I bet they’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!
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: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection. These tender meatballs combine ground chicken with Parmesan, garlic, and fresh parsley for a flavorful main course that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Versatile enough to serve with pasta, in sandwiches, or with your favorite sauce.
Ingredients
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
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or spraying on meatballs)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender; avoid over-mixing.
- Form meatballs: Using a small scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the meatballs with olive oil to help them brown nicely while baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving. Enjoy with your choice of marinara sauce, pasta, sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
Notes
- These meatballs freeze well both before and after cooking, making them a convenient make-ahead option.
- You can pan-fry the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them regularly to brown all sides.
- Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce, over pasta, in sandwiches, or as a tasty party appetizer.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
