If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying dinner idea, look no further than these Baked Chicken Meatballs. Juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up, this dish combines wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully for a mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re short on time or craving something homemade, these baked chicken meatballs offer the perfect balance of tender texture and vibrant seasonings that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, you can have dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor.
- Healthy and Light: Made with lean chicken, these meatballs are a nutritious option packed with protein.
- Versatile Flavor: Mild seasoning allows you to customize sauces or sides to match your mood.
- Kid-Friendly: Soft texture and simple tastes make this a hit at family dinners.
- Minimal Cleanup: Baking means no frying, so less oil and fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to ensure your baked chicken meatballs come out tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. These pantry staples combine effortlessly for a satisfying dish.
- Ground Chicken: The lean base that keeps the meatballs tender and light.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds gentle structure and helps retain moisture inside.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so your meatballs hold their shape during baking.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Classic aromatics that infuse the meatballs with savory depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Boosts umami and adds a subtle salty richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a pop of color and a bright herbal note.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used sparingly to keep the meatballs moist without greasiness.
Variations for Baked Chicken Meatballs
One of the best parts about baked chicken meatballs is how easy they are to adapt. Whether you want to experiment with new flavors or tailor them to meet dietary needs, these variations will keep things fresh and exciting.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
- Italian Style: Mix in oregano, basil, and a splash of marinara sauce for classic Italian vibes.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- Cheesy Surprise: Insert small mozzarella cubes inside each meatball for a melty center.
- Herbaceous Blend: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for an aromatic twist.
- Asian Inspired: Mix in ginger, soy sauce, and green onions for a totally different profile.
How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form perfectly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil to promote browning and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if needed — the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain their juicy texture and makes them easier to handle on the plate.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Choose Lean Ground Chicken: Use 93% lean or higher for moist yet healthy results.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat can make meatballs dense, so mix gently until ingredients just combine.
- Uniform Size: Use a scoop or measure dough balls to ensure even cooking.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Check Internal Temperature: To avoid undercooking, use a thermometer aiming for 165°F inside.
- Let Them Rest: Allowing meatballs to cool slightly enhances juiciness and texture.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens these meatballs and adds a beautiful burst of color. For extra indulgence, a light drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of Parmesan cheese also works wonders.
Side Dishes
Baked chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. Classic spaghetti and marinara sauce are a beloved choice. But they also shine alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these meatballs as sliders with slider buns and your favorite sauces for a fun twist. Or thread several onto skewers and brush with a tangy glaze for party-friendly appetizers everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover baked chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a convenient grab-and-go protein option for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, bake the meatballs and cool them completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and thaw easily when needed.
Reheating
Reheat baked chicken meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. For faster reheating, microwave them covered for 1-2 minutes but be careful not to dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the meatballs lean and tender.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond flour, crushed gluten-free crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs available in most stores.
Can I freeze the meatballs before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the shaped meatballs before baking; simply place them on a tray, freeze until firm, then store in a container. Bake them straight from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time slightly.
What sauces pair best with baked chicken meatballs?
Classic tomato sauce, creamy Alfredo, honey mustard, or even a spicy buffalo sauce complement the mild flavor of the chicken beautifully.
Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
Definitely! You can leave out the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative without compromising taste or texture.
Final Thoughts
These Baked Chicken Meatballs are a go-to recipe when you want something quick, healthy, and utterly delicious. Easy to customize and perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to become one of your favorite weeknight dinners. Give them a try tonight, and get ready to enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal everyone will ask for again and again!
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Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16-20 meatballs) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Baked Chicken Meatballs are a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner option featuring lean ground chicken and simple pantry staples. Juicy and tender with mild seasonings, they bake to golden perfection in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for family meals or meal prep. Easily customizable and kid-friendly, they can be paired with a variety of sauces and sides for versatile dining.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (93% lean or higher)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional or substitute with dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the texture tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter using your hands or a cookie scoop. Place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil to promote browning. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes after baking to retain juiciness before serving.
Notes
- Use 93% lean or higher ground chicken for moist and healthy meatballs.
- Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent dense meatballs.
- Uniform size ensures even cooking—use a cookie scoop if available.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
- Allow meatballs to rest briefly after baking to enhance juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg