Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Just mix, roll, and bake—no frying required.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch and store for easy meals.
- Freezer-friendly – Cooked or uncooked, these meatballs freeze beautifully.
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, in wraps, over rice, or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil (optional, for moisture)
Directions
Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven – Set a fan-forced oven to 170°C (340°F) or a conventional oven to 180°C (355°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients – In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix with clean hands until well combined.
- Form meatballs – Roll the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake – Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 73°C (165°F).
- Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy center – Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a gooey surprise.
- Spicy kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Herby twist – Mix in dried oregano, thyme, or basil for extra flavor.
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-free – Omit the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing (uncooked or cooked): Lay meatballs in a single layer on a tray and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag.
- Reheating: Bake at 180°C (355°F) for 10 minutes or heat in a skillet until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes! Use almond flour or crushed crackers as a substitute.
What’s the best way to keep chicken meatballs moist?
Adding a bit of olive oil or a splash of milk helps prevent dryness.
Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well with the same method.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 73°C (165°F).
Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Yes! Finely grated zucchini or carrots add moisture and extra nutrients.
What sauces go well with these meatballs?
They pair well with marinara, pesto, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce.
How can I make these meatballs crispier?
Broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get a crispier exterior.
Can I cook these meatballs in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown them first, then cook in sauce on low for 3-4 hours.
Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
Definitely! They store well and can be used in different meals throughout the week.
Conclusion
These baked chicken meatballs are easy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a snack, they’re sure to be a family favorite. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, making them ideal for meal prep. Try them today and enjoy a healthier, homemade meatball option!
Print
Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These baked chicken meatballs are quick, easy, and packed with flavor! A healthy, protein-rich alternative to traditional beef meatballs, they’re oven-baked for a lighter option. Perfect for meal prep, these meatballs are freezer-friendly and incredibly versatile—serve them with pasta, in wraps, over rice, or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for moisture)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven: Set a fan-forced oven to 170°C (340°F) or a conventional oven to 180°C (355°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until well incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Roll into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the prepared tray.
2. Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 73°C (165°F).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Cheesy Center – Add a cube of mozzarella inside for a gooey center.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Herby Twist – Add oregano, thyme, or basil for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free – Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
