Chicken Meatballs Recipe (with Video)

Chicken Meatballs Recipe: If you’re looking for a versatile, tasty, and easy-to-make meal option, chicken meatballs are a perfect choice!

They’re healthier than traditional beef or pork meatballs but just as delicious. These little bites of heaven are great for meal prep, family dinners, or as party appetizers.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make perfectly tender, flavorful chicken meatballs step-by-step.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of flavorful chicken meatballs:

Main Ingredients:

• Ground chicken (1 lb)
• Egg (1 large)
• Breadcrumbs (½ cup)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup)
• Finely chopped onion (½ medium)
• Minced garlic (2 cloves)

Spices and Herbs:

• Salt (1 tsp)
• Black pepper (½ tsp)
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped (2 tbsp)

Optional Ingredients:

• Red chili flakes for heat
• Grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrition
• Lemon zest for a bright flavor twist

Feel free to customize the spices based on your taste preferences!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make your chicken meatballs, here’s a list of tools you’ll find helpful:

Essential Tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet or frying pan
• Tongs or a spatula

Optional Tools:

• Cookie scoop (for uniform meatballs)
• Air fryer
• Food thermometer to check doneness

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by getting all your ingredients ready:

1. Handle the Chicken Properly – Use ground chicken that’s fresh or thawed completely if frozen. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to mix everything.
2. Chop and Dice – Finely chop the onion, garlic, and parsley to ensure they blend well with the chicken mixture.
3. Prepare Dry and Wet Ingredients – Measure out your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Beat the egg in a small bowl to incorporate it evenly later.

Prepping everything beforehand makes the process smoother and less messy.

Step 2: Making the Chicken Mixture

Now it’s time to create your chicken meatball mixture.

1. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately – In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, garlic, and spices.
2. Combine Thoroughly but Gently – Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough. Use your hands or a spatula to gently fold the ingredients until well combined.
3. Check Consistency – The mixture should be moist but hold together when shaped. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if too dry, a splash of milk can help.

Step 3: Shaping the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part—shaping the meatballs!

1. Use Even Portions – Scoop out portions of the mixture using a tablespoon or cookie scoop to keep them uniform. This ensures even cooking.
2. Roll Lightly – Roll each portion gently between your palms to form a ball, but don’t pack it too tightly.
3. Prevent Sticking – If the mixture is sticky, lightly oil your hands or wet them with a little water to make rolling easier.

Aim for meatballs that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Cooking the Meatballs (Multiple Methods)

There are several ways to cook your chicken meatballs, depending on your preference and available tools.

Method 1: Baking

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

Method 2: Pan-Frying

• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them frequently to brown all sides.
• Reduce heat, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until done.

Method 3: Air-Frying

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Each method yields juicy, delicious meatballs with a slightly different texture.

Step 5: Checking for Doneness

It’s essential to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked for safety and flavor.

1. Internal Temperature – Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. Visual Signs – Cut one meatball open to check that the center is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
3. Avoid Overcooking – Overcooked chicken meatballs can become dry, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of cooking.

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

Ready to serve? Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Pair with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic dish.
• Serve on skewers with a dipping sauce for an appetizer.
• Add to a salad or grain bowl for a healthy option.

Popular sauces include garlic aioli, honey mustard, and sweet chili.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs

Want to nail the recipe every time? These tips will help you create meatballs that are tender, flavorful, and juicy.

1. Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make your meatballs tough. Gently fold the ingredients together just until combined.
2. Moisture is Key – Ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, and grated onions add moisture. Don’t skip these if you want juicy meatballs.
3. Test a Sample – Before cooking a whole batch, fry or bake a small meatball to check the seasoning. You can adjust the spices in the rest of the mixture if needed.
4. Maintain Uniform Size – Consistent size ensures even cooking, preventing some meatballs from being overcooked while others are underdone.

These small changes make a big difference in texture and taste.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken meatballs are a blank canvas for creativity. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs:

• Add more Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil.
• Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti.

2. Spicy Chicken Meatballs:

• Add red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and chopped jalapeños.
• Serve with a spicy tomato or yogurt-based dipping sauce.

3. Asian-Style Chicken Meatballs:

• Mix in soy sauce, ginger, and green onions.
• Glaze with teriyaki sauce and serve with rice.

You can also experiment with stuffing each meatball with cheese or using ground turkey instead of chicken.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep your chicken meatballs fresh:

Storing in the Fridge – Place cooked meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Options:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
• Stovetop: Simmer in a sauce over medium heat until heated through.

Avoid reheating too many times to prevent them from drying out.

Can You Freeze Chicken Meatballs?

Yes! Freezing chicken meatballs is a great way to save time on meal prep.

Steps to Freeze:

1. Allow cooked meatballs to cool completely.
2. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours.
3. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Tips for Thawing and Reheating:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Add a little sauce to keep them moist during reheating.

Frozen chicken meatballs can last up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information

Wondering about the health benefits? Chicken meatballs are a lean source of protein and can be part of a balanced meal.

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 Meatballs)
Calories	220-250
Protein	20-25 grams
Fat	8-12 grams
Carbohydrates	12-15 grams
Fiber	1-2 grams

Using lean ground chicken helps lower the fat content while providing essential vitamins and minerals like B12 and selenium.

FAQs about Chicken Meatballs Recipe

1. What ingredients do I need for chicken meatballs?

To make chicken meatballs, you will need ground chicken, breadcrumbs, an egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Optional additions include onion powder, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes for a kick.

2. How long does it take to make chicken meatballs?

The total preparation and cooking time for chicken meatballs is approximately 30 minutes. This includes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

3. Are chicken meatballs healthier than beef meatballs?

Chicken meatballs can be healthier than beef meatballs as they contain less saturated fat and calories. Opting for ground chicken breast over darker cuts can further reduce fat content, making them a leaner option.

4. Can I make chicken meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, to make gluten-free chicken meatballs, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative like crushed gluten-free crackers or rolled oats. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

5. How can I ensure my chicken meatballs are juicy and not dry?

To keep your chicken meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the meat, add moistening ingredients like grated onion or zucchini, and be careful not to overcook them. Keeping them slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the heat will help as they continue cooking in residual heat.

6. What are some serving suggestions for chicken meatballs?

Chicken meatballs can be served in a variety of ways, including atop spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, alongside a salad, or as an appetizer with dipping sauces like marinara or a yogurt-based sauce.

7. Can chicken meatballs be frozen for later use?

Yes, chicken meatballs freeze well. Cook them fully, allow them to cool, and then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be reheated in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

Conclusion

Chicken meatballs are a flavorful, healthy, and versatile dish that fits into any meal. Whether you bake, pan-fry, or air-fry them, you’ll end up with juicy bites that everyone will love. With the right ingredients, preparation, and cooking tips, your meatballs will always come out perfect. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a meal that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!