If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, look no further than these Chicken Meatballs. Think juicy, melt-in-your-mouth morsels, crisped up to golden perfection and kissed with garlic, herbs, and a hint of Parmesan. These meatballs are delicious nestled over pasta, tucked into a pillow-soft sub roll, or simply dunked into warm marinara. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will make your kitchen smell like your favorite Italian trattoria.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Chicken Meatballs come together with a short list of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating their signature taste and texture. Every component is picked to build layers of flavor, ensure juicy bites, and give the meatballs that beautiful color.

Ground chicken: The star of the show! Lean but flavorful, perfect for tender meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Classic for binding and moisture—use gluten-free if desired for a celiac-friendly version.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty undertones and a nice richness.
Large egg: Helps hold everything together so the meatballs don’t fall apart.
Minced garlic: For that essential savory punch; don’t skip this!
Finely chopped onion: Sweetness and moisture, making every bite juicy.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Bright green flecks bring freshness and color.
Italian seasoning: A medley of dried herbs to transport your tastebuds to the Mediterranean.
Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together.
Black pepper: A little kick of warmth—crack it fresh for best results.
Olive oil: Ensures a golden finish and helps the meatballs stay moist during baking.

How to Make Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by cranking your oven up to 400°F (200°C). This lets you achieve a perfectly browned exterior without drying out the chicken inside. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a fork to gently mix everything just until combined—over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs. The mixture should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.

Step 3: Form the Chicken Meatballs

Grab a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to measure the mixture into 1-inch balls. Gently roll them between your hands for a smooth, round shape and space them evenly on your prepared sheet. You’ll end up with about 20 Chicken Meatballs, perfect for sharing (or saving some for later!).

Step 4: Brush with Olive Oil

For that golden, glistening finish, brush or drizzle the tops of the Chicken Meatballs with olive oil. This step is key for flavor and keeps them ultra-moist as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your tray into the hot oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The meatballs should be cooked through (no longer pink inside) and just starting to brown on top. The aroma will let you know they’re ready—utterly mouthwatering!

How to Serve Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Finish these beauties with a shower of freshly chopped parsley and another sprinkle of grated Parmesan. A few grinds of black pepper or even a zest of lemon will add brightness and flair right before serving.

Side Dishes

Chicken Meatballs are delicious served atop spaghetti with a ladle of marinara, but don’t overlook options like creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed greens, or a bright arugula salad. For a lighter meal, try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond pasta! These juicy Chicken Meatballs make amazing sliders when nestled in mini buns with a swipe of pesto, or stuff them in crusty sub rolls with melty mozzarella for a classic meatball sandwich. They also shine as party appetizers on skewers with dipping sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining Chicken Meatballs to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Their flavor deepens overnight, making them even tastier as leftovers—perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners!

Freezing

Chicken Meatballs freeze beautifully. Cool them completely, then arrange in a single layer on a tray to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag or container and freeze for up to three months. They’re great to have on hand for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs in a covered dish and warm in a 350°F oven until hot, about 10 minutes. If reheating from frozen, allow a bit more time or microwave gently in a sauce to keep them moist and tender.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and gives the same tender results. You may want to add a teaspoon of olive oil to the mixture if using extra-lean turkey for added moisture.

Do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?

Browning the Chicken Meatballs in a skillet before baking is optional but adds a deeper flavor and a crispier exterior. If you have a few extra minutes, it’s worth the effort!

How do I make these gluten-free?

Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free variety. All other ingredients in this Chicken Meatballs recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture in advance. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, shape and bake as usual for fresh, flavorful results.

What sauces go best with chicken meatballs?

Classics like marinara or tomato-basil sauce pair perfectly, but try a creamy Alfredo, pesto, or even sweet chili for fun twists. These Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably cozy about a plate of homemade Chicken Meatballs. Whether you’re a weeknight dinner hero or cooking for a family gathering, this recipe is a breeze to whip up and sure to make everyone at the table smile. Give these a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These flavorful chicken meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs. Made with ground chicken and a blend of herbs and spices, they are baked to perfection and make a great addition to pasta dishes or subs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large 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
2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form meatballs: Use a tablespoon to form 1-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Serve: Enjoy warm with marinara sauce, pasta, or in subs.