Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Let’s talk about chicken meatballs today. They’re juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make.
Whether you want something for meal prep, dinner with the fam, or just a quick bite, these hit the spot every single time.
I make these on repeat, and once you try them out, I know you will too.
INGREDIENTS
-
1 lb ground chicken
-
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 egg
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or frying)
Optional:
-
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat)
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN MEATBALLS
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.
Step 3: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches wide.
Step 4: Place them on the baking sheet, spaced out evenly.
Step 5: Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to help them brown.
Step 6: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Step 7: Want them extra golden? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve hot, or toss them into your favorite sauce.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
-
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture—it makes them dense.
-
Avoid using super lean chicken without moisture (like 100% breast meat).
-
Don’t skip the egg, it helps bind everything together.
-
Overcooking will dry them out. Use a thermometer if you can.
RECIPE BEST TIPS
-
Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs.
-
Mix with your hands for the best texture.
-
Swap parsley for basil or cilantro if you prefer.
-
Add a little milk if your mixture feels dry.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
-
Toss in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti.
-
Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard.
-
Make meatball subs with melted mozzarella.
-
Add to a grain bowl with veggies.
STORAGE AND FREEZING
-
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave.
-
Freeze cooked meatballs in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
-
To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F until heated through.
FAQS
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead?
A: Yep! Works the same way and tastes great too.
Q: Can I air fry these?
A: Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for about 12–15 minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
A: Crushed crackers or oats will work in a pinch.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Mix and shape them, then chill in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Q: Can I add veggies to the mix?
A: You can! Try finely grated zucchini or carrots—just squeeze out the water first.
Q: What sauce goes best with these?
A: Marinara, BBQ, teriyaki, or even a creamy garlic sauce all work well.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: Use a meat thermometer—165°F in the center means they’re ready.
CONCLUSION
You Might Also Want To Try
⬇⬇⬇

Chicken Meatballs
Chicken meatballs are juicy, easy to make, and perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or tossing into your favorite sauce. You’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or frying)
- Optional:
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—don’t overwork it.
Step 3: Use your hands or a small scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches wide.
Step 4: Place them on the baking sheet, spaced out evenly.
Step 5: Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to help them brown.
Step 6: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Step 7: Want them extra golden? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
Step 8: Serve hot, or toss them into your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Feel free to double the batch and freeze half.
- Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- These reheat really well, so they’re great for lunchboxes too.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4Amount Per Serving Calories ~250 per serving