7 Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs to Try Tonight

If you’re searching for a delicious and healthy dinner option that’s easy to whip up, these baked chicken meatballs are exactly what you need. Packed with flavor, tender in texture, and wonderfully versatile, Baked Chicken Meatballs simplify dinner night without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping meals ahead, these flavorful baked bites will quickly become a kitchen favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: You can make these meatballs with basic pantry staples that come together quickly.
• Healthy alternative: Using ground chicken keeps the meatballs leaner compared to traditional beef or pork options.
• Versatile flavor: These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of sauces, seasonings, and sides.
• Easy meal prep: They bake evenly in the oven, requiring minimal hands-on time and clean-up.
• Kid-friendly: Mildly seasoned and juicy, they are perfect for picky eaters and family dinners alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of baked chicken meatballs lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a role in building texture, enhancing flavor, or adding vibrant color to the dish. With only a handful of items needed, these meatballs are straightforward yet incredibly tasty.

• Ground chicken: The star protein for a tender and lean base.
• Breadcrumbs: Help to bind the meatballs and give them structure without toughness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle salty, nutty flavor and moistness.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the meatballs with a pop of green and freshness.
• Garlic cloves: Infuses a fragrant, savory note that’s essential in any meatball.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together during baking.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate the natural flavors.
• Olive oil spray: Helps ensure a light crisp on the outside without excess fat.

Variations for Baked Chicken Meatballs

One of the joys of this baked chicken meatballs recipe is how easily you can customize it. Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or adjust the flavors to suit your preferences, dietary needs, or cultural cravings.

• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Herb-forward: Mix in fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for an Italian vibe.
• Cheesy upgrade: Fold in shredded mozzarella for melty, gooey bites.
• Gluten-free: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
• Asian-inspired: Incorporate ginger, soy sauce, and green onions for an exciting new flavor profile.

How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake your meatballs to perfection.

Step 2: Mix your ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Form the meatballs

Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack for even cooking and crispiness.

Step 4: Bake until golden and cooked through

Bake the meatballs for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a nice golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Let them rest briefly

Remove from the oven and allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving—this locks in the juices and keeps them wonderfully moist.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Meatballs

• Don’t overmix: Handle the mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender and soft.
• Use a thermometer: Check the internal temp to guarantee safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Size matters: Keeping the meatballs uniform in size helps them cook evenly.
• Non-stick preparation: Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking without extra oil.
• Resting time: Let the meatballs rest after baking to seal in moisture and flavor.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a bright, fresh finish, and a light dusting of Parmesan adds an extra cheesy touch.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad, making them a perfect centerpiece for a wholesome dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your baked chicken meatballs as sliders with mini buns, pile them into a warm pita with tzatziki, or dunk them in your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover baked chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy them throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the meatballs on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container; they freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to keep them juicy and flavorful, avoiding microwave reheating which can dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute and works very well in this baked meatballs recipe with similar results.

Can these meatballs be made dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or swap it for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and ensure breadcrumbs used are also dairy-free.

How do I keep baked chicken meatballs moist?

Using a binder like egg and not overmixing the meat keeps the texture tender, and resting them a few minutes after baking helps retain juices.

What sauces go well with baked chicken meatballs?

They taste fantastic with marinara, honey mustard, tzatziki, BBQ sauce, or even a creamy garlic dip depending on your mood.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs the day before and keep them covered in the fridge, or freeze them raw and bake fresh when ready.

Final Thoughts

These baked chicken meatballs are a shining example of how simple ingredients can create a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Give these baked chicken meatballs a try tonight—you’ll be so glad you did!

Related Posts

• Easy Baked Chicken Tenders Parmesan Recipe
• Easy Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta Recipe
• Easy Monterey Chicken Spaghetti Bake Recipe

Print