Chicken Meatballs
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both light and satisfying, these Chicken Meatballs are the answer. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, these meatballs are the perfect alternative to the traditional beef version. With a crispy golden exterior and a moist, savory interior, they’re great for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep staple, or even a fun appetizer. Imagine biting into one and savoring the delicious seasoning in every juicy bite trust me, these are going to become your new favorite!
The best part? You can easily customize these meatballs to suit your taste by adding different herbs, spices, or even a hint of heat if you prefer something spicier. Serve them with a dipping sauce, over pasta, or as a topping for a salad there’s no wrong way to enjoy them!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Meatballs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a delicious, feel-good meal that’s easy to make and super versatile. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Serve them as a main dish, an appetizer, or even in a sub sandwich these meatballs fit any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Ground chicken is an affordable protein, and the seasonings elevate the flavor without adding too much cost.
Quick and Easy: These meatballs come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy nights or when you need a simple meal.
Customizable: Add your favorite spices or make them spicy with red pepper flakes get creative with the flavors!
Crowd-Pleasing: These meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults, making them ideal for family dinners or get-togethers.
Ingredients in Chicken Meatballs
Here’s everything you need to make these savory chicken meatballs:
Ground Chicken: The main ingredient lean and tender, it’s the perfect base for these meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and keep them soft and moist.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
Garlic Powder: Adds a savory kick and depth of flavor.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and gives the meatballs a nice balance of flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: For an extra touch of richness and flavor.
Dried Oregano: A must for that Italian-inspired taste.
Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and a fresh herbal taste.
Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and keeping them moist.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, these are essential to enhance all the other flavors.

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these juicy meatballs:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the meatballs bake evenly and develop a golden crust.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Form the Meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden brown. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet.
Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet with the meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finishing Touches: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these meatballs with your favorite sauce, over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a fun appetizer with dipping sauce. The options are endless!
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Chicken Meatballs
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic Italian meal.
- Toss them in a creamy Alfredo sauce and serve with garlic bread for a rich, comforting dinner.
- Add them to a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
- Place them in a sub roll with melted cheese and marinara for an easy meatball sub.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For even more flavor, try adding a teaspoon of dried basil or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
- If you’re making these in advance, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure the meatballs are all the same size and cook evenly.
- If you want extra crispy meatballs, broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
FAQ’s
1 Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works great as a substitute and keeps the meatballs lean and moist.
2 Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage.
3 Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes! Store-bought breadcrumbs will work perfectly for this recipe.
4 How can I make these meatballs spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for an extra kick.
5 How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
6 Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying them?
Yes! After forming the meatballs, you can place them directly on a baking sheet and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.
7 Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs to make these meatballs gluten-free.
8 Can I add vegetables to the meatball mix?
Yes! You can add finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
9 How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months.
10 What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them until heated through.
Conclusion
Chicken Meatballs are a light yet satisfying meal that’s easy to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or just with a simple dipping sauce, they’re sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen. Simple to prepare, delicious to eat, and easily customizable what more could you ask for? Get ready for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table!
Print
Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection. These meatballs are great as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each meatball.
- Bake the meatballs for 18–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with marinara sauce, pasta, or on a sandwich.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of lemon zest to the meatball mixture.
- These meatballs freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer pan-frying, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning them until they are golden and cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, baked meatballs, homemade meatballs, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free meatballs