Do you want a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than these Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs! Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, they are packed with flavor and pair well with a variety of sides.
Why Make This Recipe
These Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy a lean protein option. Ground chicken is a healthier alternative to beef or pork, making these meatballs lighter and more nutritious. Plus, they are simple to prepare and cook quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
Making Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a tasty dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907g) ground chicken (I usually use 94% lean)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup (84g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup (56g; 4 Tbsp) unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for serving: crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray it with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients together using a large spoon or spatula.
- Scoop a portion of the mixture, about 2 Tablespoons (30–35g) in size. Roll it into a ball with your hands and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have around 35 meatballs.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; the meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and lemon juice. Cook until the butter is fully melted. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (about 1 minute—don’t let the garlic brown). Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs.
- Brush or spoon the buttery sauce over the meatballs when they come out of the oven. You will have some extra sauce for serving. If desired, sprinkle the meatballs with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve the warm meatballs with the remaining herb butter sauce, over your choice of pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
These meatballs are delicious served over pasta or zucchini noodles, topped with the flavorful herb butter sauce. Pair them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also enjoy them as an appetizer at your next gathering!
How to Store Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
To store leftovers, place the cooked meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay good for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will last for about three months.
Tips to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
- For added flavor, consider mixing in different herbs or spices based on your preferences.
- If you want a juicier meatball, try adding a little more olive oil or even some finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrot.
- Make sure to not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by using ground turkey instead of ground chicken. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or breadcrumbs for a unique flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing the ingredients.
2. Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs in advance. Store them in the fridge or freeze them to enjoy later.
3. What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs go well with pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, or even salad. You can pair them with your favorite sauces, such as marinara or pesto.
Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground chicken (94% lean)
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
For the Herb Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
- Pinch salt
Optional for Serving
- crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or spray it with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients together using a large spoon or spatula.
- Scoop a portion of the mixture, about 2 Tablespoons (30–35g) in size. Roll it into a ball with your hands and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have around 35 meatballs.
Cooking
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through, ensuring meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and lemon juice. Cook until the butter is fully melted.
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs.
- Brush or spoon the buttery sauce over the meatballs when they come out of the oven. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Serving
- Serve the warm meatballs with the remaining herb butter sauce, over your choice of pasta or zucchini noodles.
