Chicken Meatballs ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (see note); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup finely chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; olive oil (for cooking)

5 Average

These homemade chicken meatballs are juicy, hearty, and savory! They pair well with your favorite pasta, rice, or salad. Kids love these too!

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These are the most juicy and delicious chicken meatballs ever! This super simple recipe is made with a handful of everyday ingredients. It takes only 25 minutes from start to finish. Kids love these meatballs! They are great for family dinners, holidays, meal prep, and leftovers. You will also enjoy this Parmesan Crusted Chicken!

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This versatile recipe for chicken meatballs will become a staple on your menu plan. For other meatball recipes, try these slow-cooker meatballs, meatballs with gravy, or these yummy Swedish meatballs.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Homemade chicken meatballs are far healthier than pork or beef meatballs.
Chicken is leaner and contains less fat.
This recipe takes only 25 minutes in total.
These chicken meatballs are made with wholesome ingredients.
These versatile chicken meatballs can be customized by adding other flavors.
Spices, extra herbs, veggies, and cheeses can be added in.
This recipe for juicy chicken meatballs is a family favorite. Kids and adults will love them!
They can be turned into so many different meals. Add them to pasta, soups, and stews.
They can be made in advance. They are great for meal prep and they are freezer-friendly.
These meatballs are perfect for parties and gatherings.
They are tasty and tender!
Check out this Buffalo Chicken Pasta or these Buffalo Chicken Meatballs for another family favorite!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ground chicken meatball recipe.

Choose ground chicken that has a higher fat percentage. Chicken that is 99% lean is more dry than chicken that is 80% lean.

Whole wheat breadcrumbs add a nutty taste to the meatballs. They provide extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular white breadcrumbs.

Look for freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste. Pecorino is a good alternative.

Onions add sweetness to the meatballs. Any variety of onions will do. Chop them finely.

Use fresh garlic cloves and mince them finely for the best results. Garlic powder can be used in its place.

Fresh parsley adds a fresh taste to the meatballs. Feel free to use other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or cilantro as alternatives.

The egg acts as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape during cooking. It also adds moisture to the mixture. This keeps them from drying out. Do not substitute for the eggs.

Dried herbs are a great way to add concentrated flavor to the mild chicken and breadcrumb base.

Olive oil can withstand higher cooking temperatures. This makes it good for cooking the meatballs. As an alternative, use avocado oil.

Taste and Texture

These chicken meatballs are juicy and moist!

Their golden crust contrasts with the juicy center.

They are full of delicious flavor thanks to the herbs and seasonings. They pair well with pesto sauce, marinara sauce, buffalo sauce, and more!

How to Make

Step 1

First, in a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, egg, oregano basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 2

Use your hands to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.

Step 4

Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet. Do not overcrowd.

Step 5

Cook the meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.

Step 6

Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet. Place them on a paper towel lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 7

Finally, serve the chicken meatballs with your favorite sauce!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for the best chicken meatballs ever!

Season the ground meat with enough salt and pepper. Chicken and breadcrumbs are mild in flavor.

Mix the ingredients until just incorporated rather than overmixing them. Overmixing will result in tough, dense meatballs.

Portion the meatballs with an ice cream scoop. This is a great way to achieve evenly cooked meatballs.

Keep your hands wet while rolling them. This helps prevent the mixture from sticking.

Space the meatballs evenly when cooking them. Overcrowding the plan can result in the meatballs steaming and simmering in their own steam. Overcrowding the pan also lowers the temperature of the pan’s surface. The surface needs to be hot enough to create a golden sear on the surface of the balls.

Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the meatballs. Chicken must be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

How to Serve and Store

Chicken meatballs are versatile and go well with various side dishes. Great as a weeknight dinner, main course, or appetizer.

They can be served with whole wheat spaghetti and marinara sauce. For a healthy option, serve them over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

They can be made into meatball sandwiches or meatball subs. They also go nicely with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Store them in the fridge, either in a sauce or on their own.

To store them, allow them to cool completely first. Next, package them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

These chicken meatballs can also be frozen.

To freeze them, let them cool first and pack them in a freezer-friendly bag. First, it is a good idea to freeze them on a tray, spaced out. Then, place the frozen chicken meatballs in a freezer bag. They will keep for 2 months in the freezer.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey in this recipe instead of ground chicken?

Yes, turkey will be equally delicious in this recipe.

Can I make these chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. They can be made 24 hours in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to use.

Can these chicken meatballs be baked instead of pan fried?

Yes, baking meatballs is a healthy way of cooking them. Bake them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until cooked through. This takes about 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check they have reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally.

Are these chicken meatballs spicy?

As the recipe is written, no, they are not spicy. They can be made spicy by adding in some chili flakes.

What goes with chicken meatballs?

Serve with whole wheat spaghetti, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice. These meatballs pair well with pesto, buffalo chicken sauce, and marinara sauce.

Are chicken meatballs healthier than beef meatballs?

Chicken meatballs tend to have less fat and fewer calories than beef meatballs.

How do you know when they are done?

Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature. It should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Equipment Needed

Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are fully cooked through.

Nonstick Skillet: This is a large skillet. Great for making meatballs!

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