Chicken
Chicken Meatballs
By Samira Kazan
published March 21, 2025
Who doesn’t love a good, juicy meatball? These baked chicken meatballs are tender, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make . They come together in one bowl and bake to perfection in under 25 minutes —no frying, no mess!
They’re perfect for meal prep , great for serving over pasta, rice, or salads, and freeze beautifully. Whether you need a quick dinner, an easy appetizer, or something protein-packed for the week , this recipe has you covered.
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- Why you’ll make this again & again
- Watch the video tutorial
- Ingredients
- How to make chicken meatballs
- Ways to serve chicken meatballs
- Make-ahead and storing tips
- More meatball recipes to try
- Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Why you’ll make this again & again
- Juicy & delicious – A perfect mix of Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasoning.
- Easy & mess-free – No frying, just mix, shape, and bake!
- Great for meal prep – Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
Watch the video tutorial
Ingredients
- Ground chicken – For the juiciest meatballs, use ground chicken thigh or a mix of thigh and breast . If you prefer a leaner option, ground chicken breast works too —just keep an eye on cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Fresh parsley – Adds a fresh, herby touch. Swap with basil if preferred.
- Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender. Use panko for a lighter texture.
- Egg – Essential for holding everything together.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, savory richness. Skip or swap for nutritional yeast if dairy-free.
- Olive oil – Keeps the meatballs moist while baking.
- Seasonings – A mix of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for flavor and depth.
- Raising Cane’s sauce (for serving)– A tangy, creamy dip that pairs perfectly! Or swap for your favorite sauce
For exact measurements, check the printable recipe card below .
How to make chicken meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, parsley, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, olive oil, and seasonings . Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs dense.
Shape the meatballs: Scoop and roll the mixture into bite-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. If it’s sticky, lightly grease your hands with oil or chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Arrange & bake: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes , or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C ).
Check how long to bake chicken for more tips.
Serve hot with Raising Cane’s sauce or your favorite dip. These also work great over pasta, in sandwiches, or as a protein-packed meal prep option!
Ways to serve chicken meatballs
These baked chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- With a dipping sauce – Perfect as an appetizer with Raising Cane’s sauce, tomato sauce , or Lebanese garlic sauce (toum) .
- Over pasta – Toss with your favorite pasta and sauce for a quick, comforting meal.
- In a sandwich – Stuff into a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a chicken meatball sub .
- With a salad or grain bowl – A great protein boost over greens, quinoa, or rice. I love pairing it with stovetop jasmine rice —its subtle aroma complements the meatballs perfectly.
- Meal prep option – Pack with roasted veggies and a sauce for an easy grab-and-go meal.
Make-ahead and storing tips
Make-Ahead & Freezing (Uncooked Chicken Meatballs)
- To freeze uncooked meatballs: Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
- To cook from frozen: No need to thaw! Bake straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Storing Leftovers (Cooked Chicken Meatballs)
- Fridge: Keep cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Let them cool completely, then store in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat
- Oven : Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a covered pan over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce for moisture.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts until hot, but note they may lose some crispiness.
More meatball recipes to try
Equipment
- Food Thermometer
- Parchment paper
IngredientsUS CustomaryMetric1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 lb ground chicken
- ▢ 1 egg large
- ▢ 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- ▢ 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- ▢ 2 Tbsp olive oil
- ▢ 2 Tbsp parsley chopped
- ▢ 1/2 tsp salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp black pepper
- ▢ 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp onion powder
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, parsley, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, olive oil, and seasonings. Stir until just mixed—don’t overwork it.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. If sticky, lightly grease your hands or refrigerate the mixture briefly.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm with Raising Cane’s sauce , or enjoy them in pasta, sandwiches, or meal prep bowls.
Video
Notes
- Oven : Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes for the best texture
- Stovetop : Heat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds at a time) until warmed through.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Food Thermometer
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg large
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp parsley chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken, parsley, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, olive oil, and seasonings. Stir until just mixed—don’t overwork it.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. If sticky, lightly grease your hands or refrigerate the mixture briefly.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm with Raising Cane’s sauce , or enjoy them in pasta, sandwiches, or meal prep bowls.
Video
Notes
- Oven : Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes for the best texture
- Stovetop : Heat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds at a time) until warmed through.
Nutrition
Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/chicken-meatballs/
