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Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs
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Easy Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs are a wholesome, quick, and delicious dinner option that combines lean ground chicken with fragrant Italian herbs and seasoning. These meatballs bake up tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, offering a healthier twist on classic comfort food perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary)
  • 2 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the meatballs evenly, giving them a beautiful golden crust.
  2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything gently but thoroughly, avoiding overworking to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs, placing each on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Keeping the meatballs uniform in size helps them cook evenly.
  4. Bake until cooked through: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they are golden on the outside.
  5. Optional finishing touch: If you like, top the baked meatballs with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella, then return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese perfectly.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender, avoiding a dense texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer: Ensure perfect safety and juiciness by checking they reach 165°F internally.
  • Line your baking sheet: Parchment paper or a silicone mat prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.
  • Personalize seasoning: Taste the mixture raw isn’t safe, so season conservatively and adjust next time if needed.
  • Rest before serving: Let meatballs sit for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs, Healthy Meatballs, Italian Dinner, Gluten Free Meatballs, Quick Family Dinner, Lean Chicken Recipes

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/baked-italian-chicken-meatballs/