Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Discover a simple, flavorful recipe for Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs that’s perfect for quick dinners or meal prepping. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with classic Italian herbs and spices, baked to golden perfection without the hassle of frying. Whether you’re serving them on pasta, in a sub, or enjoying them as a protein-packed snack, this recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on traditional meatballs that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these meatballs fit perfectly into busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken breast, reducing fat but keeping great taste.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or packed for lunch on the go.
• Rich Italian Flavors: Fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese make every bite burst with classic Italian charm.
• Mess-Free Cooking: Baking instead of frying means less cleanup and a lighter meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple by using key ingredients that balance flavor, texture, and nutrition, resulting in truly delightful baked Italian chicken meatballs.

• Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken breast for tender, moist meatballs.
• Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while adding a pleasant texture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and a salty, nutty flavor to the mix.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the meatballs with fresh herbal notes.
• Garlic: Minced garlic gives an essential aromatic punch.
• Egg: Binds all ingredients together for a sturdy but tender meatball.
• Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
• Olive Oil Spray: Lightly coats the baking tray to promote even browning.

Variations for Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it based on your pantry staples, dietary needs, or craving for different flavors.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for subtle heat.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for gooey, melty bites.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or rosemary instead of parsley for a unique twist.
• Vegetable Boost: Finely grate zucchini or carrots into the mixture for extra moisture and nutrients.

How to Make Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to get it ready for quick and even baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for uniform cooking.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet

Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil and place the meatballs spaced evenly apart, so they bake evenly and develop a nice crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown on the outside.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving hot with your favorite sauce or side dish.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep meatballs tender.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
• Even Sizes Matter: Uniform meatballs bake faster and cook evenly every time.
• Let Rest Before Baking: Chill the formed meatballs briefly to help them hold their shape better when baking.
• Extra Moisture: Add a splash of milk or a little grated onion for juicier meatballs if desired.

How to Serve Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil or extra grated Parmesan cheese work beautifully as simple, elegant finishing touches that bring out the Italian flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair these meatballs with spaghetti and marinara sauce, creamy polenta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your meatballs into sliders, serve them on skewers as appetizers, or stuff them into a warm sub roll with melted cheese for a hearty sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked Italian chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a substitute and will yield similarly tender and flavorful meatballs.

Are these meatballs gluten-free?

This recipe uses traditional bread crumbs, but you can easily swap in gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour to make it gluten-free.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix and form the meatballs up to a day ahead, and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.

What’s the best sauce to serve with these meatballs?

Classic marinara sauce is a perfect match, but you can also try pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata for variety.

How do I prevent meatballs from drying out?

Make sure not to overmix the meat, include some cheese or grated veggies for moisture, and avoid baking them at too high a temperature.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs come together quickly and deliver wonderful homemade flavor without fuss. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re an easy way to bring a bit of Italy into your kitchen any night of the week. Give this recipe a try and soon you’ll have a new favorite to enjoy again and again!

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