Chicken Meatballs

These chicken meatballs are the perfect addition to any meal! The simple ingredients combine easily to serve as a Main Dish, Appetizers or to meal prep for the week.

Chicken meatballs are packed with lean protein and no frying fuss required. A quick mix of ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasoning and an egg to keep texture moist, while a hot oven seals in juices and creates a golden crust in under 20 minutes. If you love meatballs as much as my family then you will love Swedish Meatballs, Alfredo Meatballs and Italian Meatballs.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Meatballs

Ground chicken turns out lighter than beef but still delivers big flavor when you fold in simple ingredients. There is no stovetop platter as the hot oven does all the work! Keep a batch in the freezer and supper is halfway done.

These versatile bites serve perfectly with simmering marinara over spaghetti or Easy Zucchini Noodles Recipe to tangy Buffalo sauce for game-day appetizers. Homemade chicken meatballs prove that comfort food can be both wholesome and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• Ground Chicken – You can also make with ground turkey
• Egg – Helps to bind the ingredients together 
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Feel free to also use crackers, regular bread crumbs, oats, Italian or whole wheat are also delicious substitutes.
• Olive Oil – Added for flavor and moisture
• Italian Seasoning – Lear How to Make Homemade Italian Seasoning
• Garlic Powder – See The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Onion Powder – If you are out, see Best Onion Powder Substitutes

Scroll to the Recipe Card for the full recipe.

How to Make Chicken Meatballs

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  

Step 2 – Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes for the breadcrumbs to soak up the extra moisture from the chicken. 

Step 3 – Roll the mixture into approximately 24 small meatballs that are approximately one inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on the baking sheet. 

Step 4 – Bake for 20-25 (flipping them after 10 minutes) until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F). 

Step 5 – Serve as is with your favorite dipping sauce or coat them with your favorite type of sauce. Serve warm and enjoy! 

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs

• Internal Temperature – I use an instant read-meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked through before being removed from the oven. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when the chicken meatballs are full cooked.
• Prevent Sticking – Lightly wet hands with water or oil before shaping to prevent sticking.
• Baking Sheet – We recommend baking chicken meatballs on a parchment paper lined baking pan. This will help with cleanup and prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan.

Flavor Variations

• Buffalo Flavor – For the ultimate game day appetizer, add in 1 tsp of Ranch Dressing Mix Recipe then toss in buffalo sauce.
• Make a Thai Bowl – Meal prep these chicken meatballs and make a rice bowl. Mix in 1 tbsp of red curry paste, 2 tbsp minced cilantro into chicken mixture. Then add a glaze with sweet chili sauce once the meatballs are cooked. Serve over Microwave Brown Rice for a delicious and healthy lunch idea.
• Change the Meat – Feel free to make these ground chicken breast meatballs with ground turkey, ground pork or ground beef.
• Parmesan Cheese – For umami flavor mix ¼ cup of shredded parmesan cheese.
• Spices – Feel free to add add in more of your favorite spices or fresh herbs such as a 1 tsp of oregano, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes.

How to Serve Chicken Meatballs

These chicken meatballs pair perfectly with your favorite marinara sauce or alfredo sauce. Serve over pasta with a side of Homemade Garlic Bread and a side of Easy Caesar Salad Recipe for a complete meal idea.

They even make a perfect appetizer served on a platter with toothpicks to easily serve. You can even make meatball subs topped with provolone cheese and toast them.

Another idea is serve over Best Mashed Potatoes with White Gravy Recipe for the ultimate comfort food meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Fridge – Refrigerate any leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  
• Freezer – You can freeze these chicken meatballs cooked or raw. If you are freezing cooked, allow the meatballs to cool and then place in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. If freezing raw, prepare the meatballs then place on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 to 2 hours and then place in a freezer safe container. This will allow you to take out individual serving without having to heat the whole bag. This is why we like to make a double batch to freeze!
• Reheat – Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350 degrees.