Okay, friends, let me tell you about these things.Baked Chicken Meatballs.I swear, this recipe is like a warm hug on the plate. Remember those super comforting spaghetti and meatballs your grandma used to make? Imagine a lighter, healthier, and baked to juicy perfection. Is it easier than you think to make a meal on tuesday night? My kids gobble them up, and even picky eaters seem to magically appear when they smell these coming. What is the best way to get out of the oven We’ve all been there right? And I can’t wait to share it with you!
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What is baked chicken meatballs?
Baked chicken meatballs. ServeAre essentially ground chicken, seasoned beautifully, and shaped into little balls of deliciousness. Is it necessary to bake until it is perfectly cooked through? What is a lighter, leaner, and more flavorful take on beef meatballs? The baking method keeps them incredibly moist, and it’s so much easier than pan-frying! Plus, clean-up is a breeze. I’ve been using this recipe for years and tweaking it to get it just right. What is the kind of dish that becomes a family tradition, passed down from generation to generation. What is the best thing about it? You can tweak it to your liking.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I begin?What are the best baked chicken meatballAre bursting with savory goodness? We’re talking about a symphony of herbs, garlic, and parmesan. A touch of red pepper flakes. For the flavor, we’ve got garlic and peppercorns. What I love most about these are how easy they are to make. Is it possible to throw everything together in the oven for a few minutes? What are some quick and healthy dinner ideas? Plus, it’s easy on the wallet. Chicken is often more affordable than beef or pork, making this a budget-friendly meal. What is versatility?Baked Chicken MeatballsIs it possible to serve pasta, sandwiches, on top of salads, or even as an appetizer? Compared to some of my other meatball recipes, these ones bake up so evenly and stay wonderfully delicious. Is it worth it to try it?
How do I make baked chicken meatballs?
Quick Overview
Making these Baked Chicken Meatballs.Is surprisingly straightforward. You’ll simply mix together all the ingredients, form the mixture into meatballs, and bake them until golden brown. Browning and cooked through. How do I make tender meatballs? I’ve made a mistake before. Trust me! If you bake them, you can finish other things while they cook.
Ingredients
For the Baked Chicken Meatballs:
* 1.5 lbs ground chicken (I prefer using lean ground)
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (I usually use panko but I like to use regular)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 2 tablespoons dried)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is always best, but you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten (this helps bind everything together)
* 1/4 cup milk (I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it works great)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the little kick it adds)
* Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:
* Your favorite pasta sauce
* Cooked pasta of your choice
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the crust from sticking.Baked Chicken Meatballs withHow do I clean a dishwasher? I always do this, and it saves so much time and effort later.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and salt. Set aside. Garlic, egg, milk, olive oil, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper. Don’t overmix meatballs! Overmixing can result in a tough meat ball.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, gently roll the mixture into meatballs about 1-inch in diameter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they are all the same size. Why do I need to cook them? Place meatballs on a baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. I always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Is it better to be safe than sorry?
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Baked Chicken Meatballs.What are some good recipes for pasta sauce and cooked pasta? Or, get creative and use them in sandwiches, salads, or as appetizers.
6. Heat Sauce
How do I make homemade pasta sauce? I’m a big fan of marinara, but feel free to use whatever you love!
7. Toss and Serve
Once the meatballs are done baking, toss them in the warm sauce. Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. What are some of the best smiles ever? I served mine immediately and the kids were obsessed!
What should I serve it with?
These Baked Chicken MeatballsAre incredibly versatile, so you can serve them with just about anything! Here are a few ideas:
What is the best Italian meal? Serve them with spaghetti and your favorite marinara sauce. Add a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner: Serve them on top of a bed of quinoa or brown rice with a side of steamed vegetables.
For a fun and casual appetizer: Serve them on toothpicks with a side of dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, pesto, or even a creamy ranch dressing.
For a meatball sub: Stuff them in a warm hoagie roll with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
My family loves them best with simple spaghetti and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Honestly, that’s usually enough to make everyone happy!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Chicken Meatballs
Okay, here are a few of my top tips for making the perfect baked chicken meatballs every time:
Don’t overmix the ingredients: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently mix everything together until just combined.
Use a cookie scoop to ensure even sizing: This helps the meatballs cook evenly.
Don’t overbake the meatballs: Overbaking can result in dry meatballs. Bake them until they are golden brown and cooked through, but still juicy.
Add moisture: A little milk or even broth can help keep the meatballs moist. I’ve even used a little bit of ricotta cheese before for extra moisture and flavor. Experiment and see what you like best!
Season generously: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, and herbs to the mixture. This will help bring out the flavor of the meatballs.
Get creative with the flavors: You can add different herbs, spices, and cheeses to customize the flavor of the meatballs. Try adding some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even a little bit of crumbled feta cheese. Sometimes I use italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor!
One thing I learned the hard way is that the quality of your ingredients really matters. Using fresh herbs and high-quality Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in the overall flavor of the baked chicken meatballs. So, splurge a little and treat yourself to the good stuff!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These baked chicken meatballs are perfect for meal prepping, so you can easily store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Room Temperature: It is not safe to leave your meatballs at room temperature for more than two hours.
Refrigerator Storage: To store them in the refrigerator, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze them, let them cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. If storing with sauce, make sure its safe to freeze too.
Glaze Timing Advice: I would avoid glazing the meatballs until you’re ready to serve. If you glaze them before storing, the glaze can become sticky and less appealing. Adding the sauce once heated is also an option for the best experience.
To reheat, simply microwave them until heated through, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat them in a saucepan with your favorite pasta sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These baked chicken meatballs are more than just a recipe; they’re a way to bring people together. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner or a fun and casual appetizer, these meatballs are sure to please. What makes them special? The simplicity, the flavor, and the fact that they are baked to perfection. I truly hope you give this recipe a try. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other meatball recipes! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!
baked chicken meatballs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Ground Chicken Lean ground chicken is best
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Italian seasoned
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 1 Egg Large
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese Grated
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned.
