Chicken Meatballs are a lighter, flavorful alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. They’re tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, these chicken meatballs are sure to be a hit. They’re also easy to make, versatile, and can be baked or pan-fried depending on your preference.
Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs are made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a mix of herbs and spices to give them a rich, savory flavor. Unlike traditional meatballs, these are a bit lighter, but they’re still packed with juicy, tender goodness.
I love making a big batch of chicken meatballs because they’re perfect for meal prep. You can serve them with spaghetti, toss them into a soup, or even turn them into sliders for a quick, delicious meal. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can always have them on hand.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Meatballs
These chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking for a main course, a party appetizer, or something to toss into a soup or salad, they fit the bill. They’re tender, juicy, and full of flavor without being too heavy.
I also love how easy they are to make—you can bake them in the oven for a hands-off approach, or pan-fry them for a crispy exterior. Plus, they’re a healthier option compared to beef or pork meatballs, but just as satisfying.
Main Ingredients in Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Chicken: The star of the dish, ground chicken is lighter than beef or pork but still full of flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and add texture. You can use regular, whole wheat, or panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the chicken.
- Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture together.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Basil): Fresh herbs brighten the flavor and add a touch of freshness to the meatballs.
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Season the meatballs and add a little warmth and depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Meatballs
Here’s how to make these flavorful and juicy chicken meatballs:
- Preheat the Oven: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If pan-frying, heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix until everything is evenly combined, but don’t overwork the mixture.
- Form the Meatballs: Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet if baking, or set them aside if pan-frying.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- For Baking: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- For Pan-Frying: Heat the oil in the skillet and add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken meatballs hot with your favorite sauce, over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Meatballs
- Don’t Overwork the Mixture: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ground chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer ensures your meatballs are perfectly cooked.
- Add Moisture: If your ground chicken is very lean, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of milk to keep the meatballs moist.
How to Store and Serve
These chicken meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze well—simply freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce and pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs regular or panko
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil for pan-frying, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper if baking. If pan-frying, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, grated onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a small cookie scoop.
Cook the Meatballs:
- For Baking: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- For Pan-Frying: Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite sauce, pasta, or as an appetizer.