Tender and flavorful Chicken Meatballs baked to perfection; perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining!
As a kid, spaghetti and meatballs was my all-time favorite meal. And then, when I became a teenager and was introduced to the magical land of IKEA, Swedish meatballs became the best meal in the whole world. When I started going to university, my parents would swing past the IKEA warehouse on route to my campus, and I would load my student hall’s freezer with bags of frozen meatballs. I have always been, and always will be, truly obsessed with meatballs!
Bursting with savory flavors, these chicken meatballs are the perfect addition to your weekly rotation. With a blend of Parmesan, fresh parsley, garlic, and aromatic spices, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. The best part? You can freeze them uncooked, ready to be thrown into a skillet and sautéed on a busy weeknight. Pair them with your favorite marinara, toss them in a salad, or stuff them into a sub sandwich for a satisfying meal.
These meatballs are designed to please a variety of palates while accommodating dietary needs. For those avoiding red meat or seeking a leaner protein option, ground chicken is a wonderful alternative. Plus, their baked preparation keeps things light while maintaining a satisfying texture.
Are Chicken Meatballs Healthy?
These chicken meatballs are lower in fat than traditional beef or pork options, making them a great choice if you’re on a low-cholesterol or low-fat diet. While the meatballs themselves are a good source of protein, their general “healthiness” is determined by what you ultimately pair them with. Opt for whole-grain pastas, sourdough breads, or high-fiber salad additions like quinoa to keep your meal balanced.
Want to make these meatballs even healthier? Swap the breadcrumbs for whole-grain or gluten-free varieties, and use reduced-fat Parmesan to cut back on saturated fat. For those watching their sodium intake, reduce the salt by half, and opt for a low-sodium cheese alternative like nutritional yeast. You can also boost the flavor with extra herbs or spices, like smoked paprika or fresh basil.
Be Gentle…
The secret to perfect chicken meatballs lies in gentle handling. Overmixing can lead to dense, rubbery balls instead of the tender, juicy ones you’re after. When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is evenly distributed. Think of it as folding rather than stirring aggressively.
Likewise, forming the meatballs is an art of minimal pressure. A light touch ensures they stay airy and delicate, so if you notice the mixture sticking to your hands, lightly oiling them can help keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Also, if you can, once everything has been mixed together, chill the meatball mixture for thirty minutes, as it will help the meatballs keep their shape.
How To Make Ahead And Store
Store cooked or uncooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat or cook from frozen and raw in the oven or on the stovetop for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from the classic Tomato Sauce and Homemade Pasta, these chicken meatballs also go quite well with Roasted Russet Potatoes and some Roasted Vegetables. A bed of Ginger Rice or Sushi Rice is also a great choice, and I love to toss the chicken meatballs in Teriyaki Sauce or this Korean BBQ Sauce before spooning them on top of the rice.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Lightly oil your hands, then form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place each one on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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