Chicken Meatballs Recipe
If you’re in the mood for something hearty yet refreshingly light, this Chicken Meatballs Recipe is about to win your dinner table. Tender morsels of seasoned ground chicken baked to juicy, golden perfection, these meatballs are a breeze to pull together and deliver big on flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re jazzing up pasta night, loading up a sandwich, or seeking a tasty appetizer, you’ll love how this Chicken Meatballs Recipe transforms humble ingredients into a family favorite that everyone will crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Meatballs Recipe plays a special role, from creating a tender texture to packing in irresistible flavor. You won’t need anything fancy—just a few pantry staples and one or two fresh touches make all the difference. Let’s dive into what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and versatile, it makes the meatballs juicy while keeping them lighter than beef versions.
- Breadcrumbs: These absorb moisture, binding everything together and creating a soft, cohesive texture. Use gluten-free if needed!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty punch and helps brown the tops beautifully.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds your meatballs together, giving them a tender, springy bite.
- Minced Garlic: For aromatic depth and a garlicky kick in every bite.
- Finely Chopped Onion: Brings sweet flavor and extra juiciness—make it as fine as possible for even distribution.
- Fresh Parsley: Lends a pop of freshness and color that brightens the entire dish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs for that classic Italian-American flavor profile.
- Salt: Crucial for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- Olive Oil: A light brushing or drizzle helps the meatballs brown and keeps them moist, whether you bake or fry.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—this ensures a golden crisp exterior and easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spatula to gently mix until everything is just incorporated. Over-mixing will toughen your meatballs, so aim for a soft, even blend.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and roll gently between your palms to form uniform balls. The key is to keep them as even as possible so they cook at the same rate. Arrange the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each so they brown nicely.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil
Lightly brush or spray the tops of your meatballs with olive oil. This step is essential for getting that golden, crave-worthy finish in the oven. If you’d rather cook on the stovetop, add olive oil to your skillet to prevent sticking and promote browning.
Step 4: Bake or Pan-Fry
Pop your tray into the hot oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken meatballs are cooked through, golden, and their internal temperature reaches 165°F. Prefer to pan-fry? Simply heat olive oil in a skillet over medium and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Both methods yield delicious results—the oven just makes it extra hands-off!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once they’re done, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. They’re now ready for any culinary adventure, from crowning a bowl of spaghetti to stealing the show in a saucy sub.
How to Serve Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or basil over the meatballs just before serving for a splash of color and herbal brightness. A dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate presentation and add a final layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are a blank canvas for your favorite sides—pile them atop spaghetti and marinara for the classic combo, serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for something lighter, or go bold with creamy mashed potatoes or garlicky rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Amp up mealtime fun with skewers for appetizer platters, tuck the meatballs into crusty rolls with melty mozzarella for irresistible meatball subs, or serve them over a bed of sautéed greens for wholesome weeknight fare. This Chicken Meatballs Recipe truly shines wherever you showcase it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover meatballs, let them cool completely before placing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, making for quick meals or snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
This Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a freezer’s best friend. Simply spread cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months and are ready whenever you need a fast, flavorful dinner.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently—either on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of sauce, or in a 325°F oven until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but lower, slower heat preserves their moist, tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this Chicken Meatballs Recipe; the texture and flavor will be very similar. Just keep an eye on your baking time, as turkey tends to be a bit leaner.
What’s the best way to keep meatballs from drying out?
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture and be careful not to overbake—both can lead to a drier texture. Using the recommended amount of breadcrumbs, egg, and onion also helps retain moisture, and a light coating of olive oil seals it all in.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
They can be! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this Chicken Meatballs Recipe totally celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
You sure can. Prepare the chicken meatball mixture up to a day in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge until ready to shape and cook. This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or party prepping.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The outsides should be golden, and juices should run clear—no guesswork necessary!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a home-cooked batch of juicy, golden meatballs. Whether you’re making dinner for family or prepping ahead for a busy week, this Chicken Meatballs Recipe is always a winner. Give it a try—your future self will thank you!
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Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served as a main course, in sandwiches, over pasta, or even as appetizers. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, they are a perfect option for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Form the meatballs: Scoop the mixture using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Alternative cooking method: Alternatively, pan-fry in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil, turning to brown all sides and cook through.
Notes
- These meatballs freeze well after baking—store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Serve with marinara sauce, over pasta, in sandwiches, or on skewers for appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
