Description
These Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs are a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic favorite. Made with lean ground chicken and a blend of herbs and Parmesan cheese, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep. Baking the meatballs keeps them tender and juicy without extra oil, making this recipe both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Optional Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while preparing the meatballs. This ensures a hot environment for even baking.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, grated onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all components are just incorporated without overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender.
- Form the meatballs: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, shape the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch diameter meatballs. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack.
- Bake the meatballs: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are golden brown on the outside.
- Optional – Sauce them: If using marinara sauce, you can spoon warm sauce over the meatballs or bake them coated in sauce for the last 5 minutes if desired, adding extra moisture and flavor.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest a few minutes before serving. They pair well with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or as a protein-packed appetizer.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- To add moisture, you can include a tablespoon of olive oil or ricotta cheese into the mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are cooked through safely.
- Meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked for meal prep. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Customize herbs to your liking—basil or oregano work well in place of Italian seasoning.
