Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs for Dinner

Discover a simple, flavorful dinner with easy baked chicken meatballs—perfectly juicy and great for any weeknight meal! This recipe brings together lean ground chicken with herbs, spices, and a hint of Parmesan to create a wholesome dish that is both satisfying and quick to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, these baked chicken meatballs are a delicious way to keep dinner exciting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy and Lean: Made with ground chicken for a lighter alternative to beef or pork.
• Flavorful and Moist: A perfect blend of herbs and cheese keeps meatballs juicy and tasty.
• Versatile Dinner: Great on its own, with pasta, or served as a party appetizer.
• Minimal Cleanup: Baking instead of frying means less mess and healthier cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for baked chicken meatballs is simple but essential, combining fresh herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs to ensure each meatball is bursting with flavor and the perfect texture. Each element plays a key role in balancing moistness, taste, and binding the meatballs together.

• Ground Chicken: The lean protein base that keeps meatballs tender and healthy.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while adding a subtle texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory depth and helps with moisture retention.
• Garlic and Onion: Freshly minced for a fragrant and flavorful punch.
• Egg: Binds all ingredients together perfectly for uniform cooking.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Brightens the flavor profile with fresh herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to amplify all the natural flavors.
• Olive Oil (optional): Adds moistness and richness if desired.

Variations for Baked Chicken Meatballs

Feel free to customize your baked chicken meatballs to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you prefer spicy, cheesy, or gluten-free options, this recipe adapts easily to whatever you have on hand!

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
• Cheesy Stuffed: Place a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a gooey surprise.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it safe for gluten sensitivity.
• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for cilantro, thyme, or oregano for new flavor twists.
• Saucy Option: Toss meatballs in marinara, BBQ, or honey mustard sauce after baking.

How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep meatballs tender.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into even-size meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Placing them on the baking sheet with a bit of space between each will ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving to lock in juices and savor their moist texture.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough, so mix just until combined.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Helps keep meatball sizes consistent and makes shaping easier.
• Add Moisture: Incorporate a splash of milk or olive oil if your mixture feels dry.
• Test One First: Bake a single meatball first to check seasoning before shaping the whole batch.
• Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juicy results.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top adds color and a burst of freshness to your baked chicken meatballs. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a grating of Parmesan cheese can also elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic, comforting meal. Roasted vegetables, a crisp garden salad, or garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully, balancing the savory meatballs with fresh or creamy options.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving baked chicken meatballs as sliders with mini buns and your favorite sauce or as a protein-packed addition to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a lemony dressing. Meatball subs with marinara and melted cheese are another crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover baked chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This helps retain moisture and flavor so they stay delicious for your next meal.

Freezing

Place baked meatballs on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave them gently on a medium setting to avoid drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute and will yield similar results in texture and flavor when baked.

Do I need to add oil to the baking sheet?

It’s best to lightly grease the baking sheet or use parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free panko to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

How do I keep baked chicken meatballs moist?

Don’t overmix the meat, use some breadcrumbs and cheese, and avoid overbaking by removing the meatballs once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze the meatballs before baking?

You can freeze raw meatballs individually on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

These baked chicken meatballs are a delightful, easy-to-make dinner option that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Perfectly juicy and versatile, they quickly become a favorite meal in any household. Grab your ingredients and bring this delicious recipe to your table—your taste buds will thank you!

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