If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, juicy meatballs blend the mild sweetness of ground chicken with savory Parmesan and aromatic garlic, all baked to perfection with a golden crust. They come together quickly, make minimal mess, and are endlessly versatile—whether you’re serving them for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for an impressive yet easy appetizer. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe is carefully chosen to create a balance of flavor, moisture, and texture. From soft breadcrumbs that keep the meatballs tender to the sharp tang of Parmesan that adds depth, these basics come together beautifully to make the dish memorable.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that makes these meatballs deliciously light yet satisfying.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep all the ingredients together without drying out.
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs: Infused with herbs, these add both flavor and the perfect texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty richness that elevates every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the meatballs brown nicely in the oven.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of savory aroma and taste that makes the meatballs irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: A subtle layer of sweetness and depth without overpowering the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth to balance the dish.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures an even bake and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps prevent sticking, which is so helpful especially with meatballs.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently but thoroughly mix everything until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. This step is where the magic starts, as all these wonderful flavors combine into a cohesive mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Grease your hands lightly (this stops the mixture from sticking) and use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop or your hands to form 24 evenly sized meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each one to help them bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes at 400°F. After baking, switch your oven to broil and move the tray to the top rack. Broil the meatballs until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring they’re fully cooked. Keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning. This two-step cook method keeps the inside juicy and the outside nicely crisp.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked through and beautifully browned, remove the meatballs from the oven. Now they’re ready to be served hot in any way you love—whether that’s with sauce, over pasta, or even just on their own as a tasty snack.
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a fresh garnish takes these meatballs from great to unforgettable. Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving can add a pleasing richness that complements the baked golden crust.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine when paired with simple sides that balance texture and flavor. Think creamy mashed potatoes, tangy marinara with spaghetti, or even a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement them beautifully and make for a hearty meal that feels homey and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests or feed a crowd? Serve the meatballs on skewers with a side of dipping sauce like tzatziki, honey mustard, or a spicy marinara. Alternatively, turn them into sliders with mini buns, fresh greens, and a smear of pesto or aioli for an irresistible appetizer at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These chicken meatballs store wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when placed in an airtight container. They make for quick lunches or easy dinners when reheated gently.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, bake the meatballs completely, then let them cool before freezing. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze individually, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place meatballs on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them covered, but oven reheating helps maintain that lovely texture without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work similarly in this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Just be mindful that turkey can sometimes be leaner, so you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil to keep them moist.
Do I really need to broil the meatballs? Can I just bake them?
Baking alone will cook the meatballs fully, but broiling at the end gives them a beautiful golden brown color and slight crispiness on the outside. If you prefer softer meatballs, feel free to skip broiling.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, swap the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture and flavor remain just as delicious!
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the safest way; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cutting into a meatball to check that the inside is no longer pink can also work.
Can I add vegetables into the meatballs?
Definitely! Finely grated zucchini, carrot, or spinach can be folded into the mixture for extra nutrition and moisture. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess liquid first to keep the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe is a total win for anyone who loves fuss-free comfort food filled with flavor. Its approachable ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll be enjoying homemade meatballs without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this recipe a try soon—I have a feeling it’s going to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation just like it is in mine!
Print
Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Meatballs recipe yields tender, flavorful meatballs baked to perfection and finished with a quick broil for a golden-brown crust. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan, and Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, these meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for appetizers, main courses, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Grease your hands lightly with olive oil or water. Using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, form the mixture into 24 uniform meatballs. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes to cook through.
- Broil for Finish: After baking, turn the oven to broil and position the baking sheet on the top rack. Broil the meatballs until they develop a golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and serve hot as desired—perfect with pasta, dipped in sauce, or as a protein-packed snack.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) for safety.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Try serving with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or atop spaghetti for versatile meal options.
