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Chicken Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 18–20 meatballs
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Description

These juicy and flavorful Chicken Meatballs offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef versions, crafted with lean ground chicken, fresh garlic, herbs, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked or pan-fried, they make a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, salad, or your favorite dipping sauces.


Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or brushing)


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper until just combined to maintain tenderness.
  3. Form the meatballs: Scoop the mixture and roll into approximately 1 ½-inch diameter balls, yielding about 18 to 20 meatballs.
  4. Prepare for baking: Place the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil to help achieve a golden exterior.
  5. Bake the meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) and the tops show a light golden color.
  6. Alternative cooking method: For a pan-frying option, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
  7. Serving suggestions: Serve these meatballs warm with marinara sauce, tzatziki, BBQ sauce, or as a compliment to pasta, salad, or rice dishes.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
  • For extra flavor, try stuffing each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella before cooking.
  • These meatballs freeze well, whether raw or cooked, making them perfect for meal prep.