There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs. Whether they’re served over pasta, stuffed into a sandwich, or simply enjoyed on their own, meatballs have a way of making any meal feel special. These baked chicken meatballs bring all the savory, juicy goodness of traditional meatballs, but with a leaner twist. They’re lighter, healthier, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even as a quick snack.
Unlike traditional pan-fried meatballs, these are baked in the oven, which means less mess and less oil—without sacrificing texture or taste. The combination of Parmesan, herbs, and breadcrumbs creates a beautifully moist and flavorful bite, while baking them locks in all those delicious juices. If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken meatballs, don’t worry—this recipe ensures they stay incredibly tender.
So, whether you’re making a big batch for the week or whipping up a quick and easy dinner, these baked chicken meatballs will be a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative – Using ground chicken makes these meatballs leaner without compromising on taste.
- Oven-Baked Goodness – No frying means less oil and easier cleanup.
- Juicy and Flavorful – Parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning give them incredible flavor and a perfect texture.
- Great for Meal Prep – These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them perfect for batch cooking.
- Versatile – Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or even as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Drizzle in the olive oil to help keep the meatballs moist.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dip.
Helpful Tips
- Use a Cookie Scoop – This helps ensure your meatballs are the same size, which means even cooking.
- Don’t Overmix – Overmixing the meat can make the meatballs dense instead of tender. Mix just until everything is combined.
- Add Moisture – The olive oil and Parmesan help keep these meatballs juicy. If your mixture feels too dry, you can add a splash of milk.
- Check the Temperature – Using a meat thermometer ensures the meatballs are fully cooked but not overdone.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 20 meatballs
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: High-Protein
Notes
- Adjust the Seasoning – Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add extra garlic, more red pepper flakes for spice, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free Option – Omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative to keep the meatballs dairy-free.
- Serving Ideas – These meatballs are perfect over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or even served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Sauce Pairing – While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can also try them with pesto, barbecue sauce, or a creamy garlic sauce for a delicious twist.
- Double the Batch – These freeze well, so consider making a double batch and storing some for later. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: These meatballs freeze beautifully! Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave, oven, or simmer them in marinara sauce on the stovetop until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them ahead of time. Store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will have a similar texture and taste.
What can I serve these with?
These meatballs are incredibly versatile! Serve them over spaghetti, with a side of roasted veggies, or even as a meatball sub with melted cheese.
How do I keep my meatballs from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake them, and don’t skip the olive oil and Parmesan—they help retain moisture. If your mixture feels dry, you can add a little milk or an extra egg.
Related Recipes
If you loved these baked chicken meatballs, you might also enjoy:
- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
- Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
- Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo
- Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: A Comforting and Romantic Dish for Every Occasion
Final Thoughts
These baked chicken meatballs are a game-changer! They’re quick, easy, and packed with so much flavor that you won’t even miss the fried version. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a cozy dinner for your family, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Try them out, and don’t forget to let me know how they turn out!
Happy cooking!
Print
Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of perfectly seasoned, tender meatballs. Whether they’re served over pasta, stuffed into a sandwich, or simply enjoyed on their own, meatballs have a way of making any meal feel special. These baked chicken meatballs bring all the savory, juicy goodness of traditional meatballs, but with a leaner twist. They’re lighter, healthier, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or even as a quick snack.
Unlike traditional pan-fried meatballs, these are baked in the oven, which means less mess and less oil—without sacrificing texture or taste. The combination of Parmesan, herbs, and breadcrumbs creates a beautifully moist and flavorful bite, while baking them locks in all those delicious juices. If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken meatballs, don’t worry—this recipe ensures they stay incredibly tender.
So, whether you’re making a big batch for the week or whipping up a quick and easy dinner, these baked chicken meatballs will be a go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Drizzle in the olive oil to help keep the meatballs moist.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the meatballs to the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once done, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them with marinara sauce over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Adjust the Seasoning – Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. You can add extra garlic, more red pepper flakes for spice, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Make it Gluten-Free – Swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free Option – Omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative to keep the meatballs dairy-free.
- Serving Ideas – These meatballs are perfect over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or even served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Sauce Pairing – While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can also try them with pesto, barbecue sauce, or a creamy garlic sauce for a delicious twist.
- Double the Batch – These freeze well, so consider making a double batch and storing some for later. It’s a great way to save time on busy nights!
