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Baked Chicken Meatballs

Baked Chicken Meatballs

These easy baked chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. Made with lean ground chicken breast and simple pantry staples, they bake up golden outside and soft inside for a healthy, crowd-pleasing meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or quick lunches, they pair beautifully with a variety of sauces and sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Variations

  • Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for spice
  • Dried oregano and basil for Italian style
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary for an herb boost
  • Mozzarella cubes for cheesy centers
  • Marinara sauce for mixing in or serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, beaten egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with hands or a spoon just until combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Drizzle the meatballs lightly with olive oil to promote browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve hot with your choice of sauce, pasta, or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and moist.
  • Use a scoop to ensure uniform size for even cooking.
  • Let chicken come to room temperature for easier mixing and even cooking.
  • Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes after baking for extra crispiness.
  • Test-cook one meatball first to adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, healthy chicken meatballs, easy dinner, gluten free meatballs, lean protein dinner