Description

These baked chicken meatballs are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner option. Made with simple pantry staples, ground chicken for a lean protein base, and seasoned mildly for maximum family appeal, these meatballs bake to juicy, golden perfection. Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners, they pair well with various sauces and sides, making them a versatile kitchen favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour / gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit or substitute for dairy-free cheese if desired)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or fresh basil / oregano for variation)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray (for light coating)

Instructions

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

Notes

Don’t overmix: Handle the mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender and soft.
Use a thermometer: Check the internal temperature 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.
Let the meatballs rest after baking to seal in moisture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 meatballs
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, healthy chicken meatballs, easy dinner recipe, gluten free meatballs, family-friendly dinner, lean protein meatballs