Why Make This Recipe
Baked chicken meatballs are a great option for a healthy and tasty meal. They are easy to prepare, cook quickly, and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, on a sub, or as a snack, these meatballs are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they are lighter than traditional meatballs made with beef or pork, making them a smart choice for those watching their diet.
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How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
Making these chicken meatballs is simple and requires just a few steps.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 teaspoons olive oil (for drizzling before baking)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the meatballs cook thoroughly and develop a golden brown exterior.
- In a large mixing bowl, add ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking.
- Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs if desired for extra crispness and shine.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a golden browned exterior.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy on their own or with your favorite sauce.
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
You can serve baked chicken meatballs in many ways. They are great on their own as a snack or appetizer. You can also add them to pasta dishes, serve them with marinara sauce for meatball subs, or toss them in a salad for extra protein. The options are endless!
How to Store Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
To store leftovers, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture; this can make them tough.
- To keep the meatballs moist, you can add a bit of chicken broth or milk to the mixture.
- If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the mix for extra flavor.
Variation
You can customize these meatballs by adding different herbs or spices, such as basil or oregano. You can also swap out the chicken for turkey or even mix in some finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing the ingredients.
2. How can I tell when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs should have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. You can check this using a meat thermometer.
3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. Shape them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them before baking and cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Poultry
Description
Healthy and delicious baked chicken meatballs that are easy to prepare and versatile for various meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil (for drizzling before baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a greased wire rack over a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve them as a snack, with pasta, in marinara subs, or in salads. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy recipes, family meal
