Cook up a classic dish that has a flavorful twist with these chicken meatballs.
Meatballs have always had a special place in my heart; as a kid, I loved being in the kitchen and getting my hands dirty. Rolling meatballs with Mom and Grandma was always a fun family thing, and we would always make at least a double batch so we could have tons of extras. It was so rewarding to get to see all of my hard work lined up on the baking tray, just waiting to be put in the oven. These chicken meatballs take me back to that family kitchen but with a healthier twist.
They bake up crispy and golden brown on the outside and are super moist and tender on the inside. Plus, when it comes to versatile, tasty, and healthy meals, these chicken meatballs are a fantastic option. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. This is a delightfully easy and delicious dish to make at home. It takes very little time and effort and is the perfect dish to get the little ones involved in if you have them.
A healthier meatball.
This chicken meatball recipe is a great alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. They are lighter, lower in fat, and packed with protein. Plus, they’re baked and not fried, making them even healthier. These tasty little treats are packed with iron and other minerals, as well as having calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. You get all of the flavor and satisfaction of a classic meatball in a good-for-you option.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
How to Make Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried oregano. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Step 3: Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve the chicken meatballs hot with your favorite sauce, over pasta, or enjoy them as a stand-alone snack.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
These Chicken Meatballs are wonderful made ahead of time and there are two ways I recommend doing it.
First, cook the meatballs as stated in the recipe, then cool them down and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep this way for up to five days in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
Second, prepare the meatball recipe up until the point that you would bake them, but do not bake them. Instead, you can store the meatballs in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two days or freeze them for up to three months. Then, when you want to eat the meatballs, all you have to do is throw them in the oven and bake them as you normally would.
What if my meatball mixture is too wet?
That is an easy fix. If your chicken meatballs are too wet, you can add a little extra breadcrumbs until the mixture firms up.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
Serving Suggestions
With their versatility and ease of preparation, these chicken meatballs are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. You can enjoy them in pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads, or as a stand-alone appetizer. For an extra veggie boost with added nutrition and flavor, I like to fold in finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meatball mixture.
For a spicier kick, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture. You can also pair these meatballs with almost anything, like Marinara Sauce, BBQ sauce, or a Creamy Alfredo Sauce for a delicious twist. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade chicken meatballs!
If you are a meatball lover, then I have a few other recipes you are going to love, like this Meatball Slider recipe. If you are looking for a vegan recipe for yourself or your guests, then this Vegan Meatball recipe is a must-try.
Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dried oregano. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve the chicken meatballs hot with your favorite sauce, over pasta, or enjoy them as a stand-alone snack.
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