These baked chicken meatballs are a tasty and healthy twist on a classic dish! Made with ground chicken and simple spices, they are juicy and packed with flavor.
They’re perfect for dipping in sauce or adding to pasta. I often make extra and freeze them for a quick dinner—because who doesn’t love easy meals, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein for your meatballs and offers a lean option. If you prefer, ground turkey can be a great substitute and is often just as moist and flavorful.
Breadcrumbs: Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nutty flavor. If you can’t find them, plain white breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers work well. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a good alternative if you need a gluten-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides a rich taste. If you’re out of Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. The flavor will still be great!
Fresh Parsley: Fresh herbs add brightness to the meatballs. You can substitute with dried parsley (using half the amount), or even other herbs like basil or cilantro based on your taste preference.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. For a vegan alternative, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flax with 3 tablespoons water). It works just as well!
How Do I Get My Meatballs to Stay Tender?
One of the keys to tender meatballs is mixing your ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Combine everything until just mixed, and try to handle the mixture as little as possible.
- Start by mixing your dry ingredients (breadcrumbs, cheese, spices) in one bowl, and the wet ingredients (chicken, egg, garlic) in another.
- Gently fold the dry mix into the wet mix until combined.
- When shaping your meatballs, wet your hands with a little bit of water; this helps prevent sticking and makes for smoother meatballs.
How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- For Baking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
- For Serving:
- Ketchup or marinara sauce for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you should expect around 35-40 minutes from start to finish, and soon you’ll be enjoying your delicious homemade meatballs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes. Using your hands or a spoon, gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Remember, don’t overmix – we want to keep those meatballs nice and tender!
3. Shape Your Meatballs:
Now it’s time to form the meatballs! With clean hands, scoop out the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. As you shape them, leave some space between each one.
4. Prepare for Baking:
To help your meatballs get that lovely golden-brown color, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil over them. This little step makes a big difference!
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Now, pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (you can check with a thermometer; they should reach 165°F/75°C) and golden brown on the outside. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, carefully take the meatballs out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. You can serve them with ketchup or marinara sauce for dipping if you’d like. Enjoy these tasty meatballs as a snack, appetizer, or part of your main dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well. Just be aware that turkey can be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a touch more olive oil or a tablespoon of milk to keep the meatballs moist.
Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
How to Store Leftover Meatballs
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last about 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Bake These Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time! Shape them and place them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
