Nothing beats the incredible aroma of homemade Chicken Meatballs baking in my oven, filling the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. These tender, juicy bites have become my family's absolute favorite, transforming simple ground chicken into something truly extraordinary.
Every time I make this easy chicken meatballs recipe, I'm reminded of why Italian cooking holds such a special place in my heart. Whether you're craving comfort food for dinner or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these baked chicken meatballs deliver restaurant-quality results that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Meatballs Recipe
This chicken meatballs recipe creates the perfect balance of tender texture and bold Italian flavors that makes every bite absolutely irresistible. My family goes crazy for these meatballs because they taste incredibly rich but are actually much healthier than traditional beef versions.
The beauty lies in how ground chicken transforms into juicy, flavorful spheres through proper seasoning and baking technique. Each meatball delivers layers of flavor from parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs while maintaining that perfect tender bite. Plus, they're versatile enough to serve with pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers for any gathering.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- What You'll Need
- How to Make Chicken Meatballs
- Aliana's Pro Advice
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- What to Serve With Chicken Meatballs
- FAQs About Chicken Meatballs
- More Recipes You'll Love
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- More DINNER
What You'll Need
These simple pantry ingredients come together like magic to create something truly special. The key is using quality ground chicken and letting each flavor shine through proper preparation.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken, 96% lean
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
Feel free to serve these with marinara sauce, add fresh basil leaves, or sprinkle extra parmesan cheese for added richness. Some folks love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or serving them over pasta for a complete meal.
This baked chicken meatballs recipe is super easy — full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Chicken Meatballs
Prepare Your Oven Setup
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a sheet pan with foil. Coat the foil thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix the Meatball Base
Combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl. Mix gently until ingredients are thoroughly combined without overworking the mixture.
Shape Perfect Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch sized balls using your hands or a small scoop. Place each meatball in a single layer on the prepared baking pan, ensuring they don't touch for even cooking.
How to make chicken meatballs at home? The secret is using the right ratio of binding ingredients and not overmixing the meat, which keeps the texture tender and prevents dense, tough meatballs.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are golden brown and cooked through with internal temperature reaching 165°F.
Finish and Serve
Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color and flavor. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Aliana's Pro Advice
- The secret to exceptional chicken meatballs lies in using lean ground chicken and proper binding techniques that keep them moist and flavorful.
- I learned from Italian cooking that panko breadcrumbs work better than regular ones because they create a lighter texture while absorbing moisture perfectly.
- My family discovered that letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes before shaping allows the breadcrumbs to hydrate fully.
- Don't skip the parmesan cheese, as it adds both flavor and helps bind the mixture naturally.
- The key temperature is crucial, so always check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety while maintaining juiciness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover baked chicken meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 30-45 seconds. These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months when stored in freezer-safe containers.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Transform these into spicy Italian chicken meatballs by adding red pepper flakes or buffalo chicken meatballs with hot sauce mixed in. You can substitute ground turkey for chicken, use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko, or add fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor depth.
What to Serve With Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti marinara, creamy risotto, or fresh Caesar salad for a complete Italian meal. My family loves serving them with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or over pasta with rich tomato sauce. They also make fantastic appetizers with toothpicks and dipping sauces for parties.
FAQs About Chicken Meatballs
What kind of sauce is good with chicken meatballs?
Marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or simple tomato basil sauce work perfectly. Creamy sauces complement the lean chicken while tomato-based sauces add brightness and traditional Italian flavor.
Are chicken meatballs healthier than beef?
Yes, chicken meatballs are significantly lower in saturated fat and calories while providing lean protein. They're easier to digest and work well for lighter, healthier meal options.
How to make chicken meatballs at home?
Combine ground chicken with binding ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs, season well, shape into balls, and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until cooked through.
What to use as a binder for chicken meatballs?
Eggs and breadcrumbs are the best binders, with parmesan cheese adding extra binding power and flavor. This combination prevents crumbling while maintaining moisture.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're looking for more chicken recipes that bring comfort and satisfaction to your Dinner table, these dishes deliver incredible flavor with simple techniques and wholesome ingredients:
Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuits - Classic comfort food featuring tender chicken and vegetables topped with fluffy, buttery biscuits for ultimate satisfaction.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl - Vibrant Mexican-inspired bowl with seasoned chicken, cilantro lime rice, and zesty street corn flavors in every bite.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta - Creamy, indulgent pasta dish combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and rich ranch flavors for family dinner perfection.
Want more protein-packed goodness? These chicken meatballs, satisfying, and always a hit. Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes — I'd love to see your twist on it!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Meatballs Recipe:
Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large sheet pan For baking the meatballs to golden perfection
- 1 Large mixing bowl To combine all meatball ingredients properly
- 1 Aluminum foil To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup
- 1 Cooking spray Prevents sticking and ensures easy removal
- 1 Small cookie scoop Optional - for uniform meatball sizing
- 1 Meat thermometer To ensure meatballs reach safe internal temperature
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground chicken, 96% lean - Choose high-quality lean ground chicken for best texture
- 1 large egg - Acts as primary binder for meatball mixture
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - Creates lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese - Adds flavor and natural binding properties
- 2 tablespoons olive oil - Keeps meatballs moist during baking process
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic - Fresh garlic provides aromatic Italian flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt - Enhances all flavors and seasons properly
- ½ teaspoon black pepper - Adds subtle heat and depth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Blend of herbs for authentic Italian taste
- cooking spray - Prevents sticking to baking sheet
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - For garnish and fresh herb flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a sheet pan with aluminum foil, then coat thoroughly with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Place ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a large mixing bowl.
- Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix ingredients gently until thoroughly combined, being careful not to overmix the delicate chicken.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch sized balls using your hands or a small scoop, creating approximately 24 evenly-sized meatballs.
- Place shaped meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch for optimal browning and cooking.
- Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until meatballs are golden brown and reach 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for color, flavor, and authentic Italian presentation.
- Let meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, then serve warm with your favorite sauce or sides.
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