Imagine biting into a perfectly tender, juicy meatball that’s packed with flavor, slightly crispy on the outside, and oh-so-satisfying on the inside. These Chicken Meatballs are everything you want in a comforting, feel-good dish—simple to make, endlessly versatile, and totally crave-worthy.
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Whether you’re whipping these up for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe has you covered. They’re the kind of thing you’ll want to make once—and then again, and again. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.
Now let’s get into why these meatballs are about to become your new go-to…
Why You’ll Love Chicken Meatballs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Chicken Meatballs
Here’s the magic of these meatballs—it’s made with everyday ingredients, but they come together in such a satisfying way. Let’s break it down:
Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs—light, lean, and absorbs flavors like a champ.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture and gives that perfectly tender interior.
Egg: The glue that holds everything together.
Garlic: Fresh and punchy—this is where the flavor party starts.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a savory depth that makes these meatballs irresistible.
Fresh Herbs: Think parsley or basil—adds brightness and a fresh finish.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and maybe a little Italian seasoning to round it all out.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your meatballs a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parmesan, herbs, and seasonings. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it or the texture can turn tough.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Assemble the Dish: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Try to keep them the same size so they cook evenly.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F).
Finishing Touches: Let them rest for a couple of minutes out of the oven—this helps lock in the juices and keeps every bite moist and flavorful.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! These pair beautifully with pasta, rice, in wraps, or even on their own with a side of dipping sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs are super adaptable. Here are some favorite ways to enjoy them:
Fresh Salads: Pair with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette—perfect for a balanced meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a baguette to soak up any sauce.
Creamy Accompaniments: Try them with a dollop of tzatziki, marinara, or even a spicy aioli.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like carrots or zucchini make great companions.
As a Standalone: Serve in a bowl with herbs on top—simple and satisfying.
Presentation tip: Serve in a deep platter or shallow bowl, sprinkled with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for that “just like a restaurant” look.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: You can mix the ingredients and form the meatballs ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Spice It Up: Love heat? Add crushed red pepper, chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the mix.
Dietary Adjustments: Swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs if needed.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Double the Batch: These freeze like a dream! Make extra and freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat straight from frozen.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground chicken with ground turkey?
A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully and has a similar flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can form the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Definitely. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts until warm.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yep! Just make sure to use two baking sheets or cook in batches so they don’t overcrowd.
Q7: What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
A7: Marinara, tzatziki, ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all amazing options.
Q8: Can I cook these in an air fryer?
A8: Yes! Cook at 375°F for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Q9: What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
A9: Plain or Italian-seasoned both work. You can also use panko for extra texture.
Q10: Are these meatballs good for meal prep?
A10: Absolutely—they store well and can be paired with different sides for variety.
And there you have it—your new favorite weeknight (or anytime) dinner. These Chicken Meatballs are the definition of comfort food made easy. They’re packed with flavor, endlessly adaptable, and just plain fun to eat. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they make it into your regular rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Chicken Meatballs are juicy and flavorful, made with ground chicken, garlic, onion, and a blend of Italian seasoning. Perfectly baked or fried, they make a great appetizer or can be served with marinara sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or heat oil in a skillet over medium heat if frying.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on a baking sheet if baking or set aside if frying.
- If baking, place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If frying, heat oil in the skillet and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden and fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven or skillet and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake these meatballs instead of frying them.
- These meatballs freeze well, so you can make a large batch and store them for later use.
- Feel free to add other seasonings or ingredients, such as grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes, for a flavor boost.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg