Easy Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Easy Chicken Meatballs: A No-Fuss Family Favorite Recipe

Mediterranean spices can turn these easy chicken meatballs into a culinary adventure that whisks you straight to sunny coastal landscapes.

Fragrant herbs and zesty seasonings work magic on simple ground poultry.

Lean protein becomes something spectacular with smart ingredient combinations.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like gourmet experiences without complicated techniques.

Mixing bowl magic happens when you combine fresh ingredients with thoughtful seasoning blends.

Quick preparation meets delicious results in this uncomplicated recipe that promises satisfaction.

Dig into these juicy, flavor-packed morsels that will make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

Chicken Meatballs That Are Juicy And Ready Fast

  • Quick Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious protein-packed dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap herbs or cheese to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible and adaptable to different palates.
  • Healthy Protein Option: Made with lean ground chicken and nutrient-rich ingredients like parmesan and parsley, these meatballs deliver a nutritious punch without sacrificing flavor.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Easily prepare in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.

Ingredients in Easy Chicken Meatballs

Main Protein:
  • Ground Chicken: Lean protein base for the meatballs, choose fresh and low-fat for healthier option.
Binding and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Egg, Almond Flour, Parmesan: Help hold meatballs together and add richness, use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Parsley, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Fresh herbs and spices that provide depth and aromatic taste, chop herbs finely for even distribution, use fresh garlic for more robust flavor.

Steps for Easy Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400°F.

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Meatball Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all your key ingredients:
  • Ground chicken
  • Egg
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Almond flour
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Grab a cookie scoop or use your hands to portion out the mixture.

Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls – you should end up with around 30 meatballs.

Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet, giving each one a little space.

Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-22 minutes.

Look for a light golden brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Be careful not to overcook, as you want to keep the meatballs juicy and tender.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Plate your mouthwatering chicken meatballs.

For an extra flavor kick, consider serving with a zesty chimichurri sauce or your favorite dipping companion.

Enjoy these protein-packed, delicious morsels hot and fresh!

Chicken Meatball Tips Made Easy

  • Use a light touch when mixing and shaping to avoid compacting the meat, which can make chicken meatballs tough and dry.
  • Add grated zucchini or ricotta cheese to increase moisture and create a more tender texture in your chicken meatballs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing meatballs reach 165°F without overcooking and losing juiciness.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to enhance the overall taste profile of your meatballs.
  • Substitute almond flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for those avoiding nuts, making the recipe more inclusive and versatile.

Easy Method for Heating Up Chicken Meatballs Later

  • Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled meatballs to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated meatballs at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Place meatballs on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of broth to retain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Flavor Matches For Chicken Meatballs

  • Pair with Zesty Chimichurri Punch: Blend fresh herbs with tangy white wine for a bright, complementary liquid that enhances the chicken's mild flavor.
  • Complement with Mediterranean Salad: Toss crisp cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to create a light, refreshing side that balances the meatballs' richness.
  • Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled white wine with herbal notes that mirror the parsley and oregano in the recipe, cutting through the meat's richness.
  • Serve alongside Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a colorful medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted with olive oil to provide a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment.

Chicken Meatball Variations

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace almond flour with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-sensitive diets.
  • Herb Lover's Version: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil, dill, or thyme instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Use ground pork or turkey as a protein substitute and eliminate flour entirely for a keto-friendly meatball option.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef while keeping the same measurement and seasoning proportions.

  • Is almond flour necessary, or can I use breadcrumbs?

Almond flour helps bind the meatballs and adds a nice texture. If you prefer, you can replace it with regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs in the same quantity.

  • How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

  • Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.

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Easy Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Easy Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent homemade chicken meatballs deliver Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Herbed with parsley and garlic, these delicate protein bites promise a quick, wholesome meal that satisfies both family and personal cravings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground chicken

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) almond flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) finely grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Serving Suggestion:

  • Chimichurri sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Create a comprehensive mixture by combining ground chicken with egg, finely diced onion, almond flour, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a blend of salt, pepper, and oregano in a mixing bowl.
  3. Use your hands to thoroughly blend ingredients, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and creating a consistent texture that will help meatballs hold their shape.
  4. Utilize a cookie scoop or carefully measure portions to form uniform meatballs, gently rolling each between your palms to create smooth, round shapes.
  5. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow even heat circulation and promote consistent browning.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, watching for a light golden exterior and checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest briefly to retain moisture, then serve immediately with a vibrant chimichurri sauce for an added burst of herbal flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure meat is at room temperature before mixing for even distribution of ingredients and better texture.
  • Use wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent mixture from sticking and create smoother, more uniform shapes.
  • For gluten-free version, swap parmesan with nutritional yeast and confirm almond flour is certified gluten-free.
  • Experiment with herbs like basil or thyme to customize flavor profile without changing core recipe structure.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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