Baked chicken meatballs are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs. They are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for adding to pasta dishes, serving as appetizers, or enjoying as a main course with a side of vegetables or salad. This recipe combines lean ground chicken with herbs, spices, and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection for a lighter yet satisfying meal option that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
- Using clean hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Place the shaped meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden brown on the outside. To ensure even cooking, you can rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
5. Check Doneness:
- To ensure the meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them hot with your favorite sauce, pasta, or as appetizers with dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Meatballs:
- Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for healthier meatballs. You can also substitute ground turkey if preferred.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
- Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your taste preferences. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Baking Time: Oven temperatures may vary, so adjust baking time accordingly. Ensure the meatballs are cooked through but avoid overcooking to keep them moist.
- Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve baked chicken meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
- Make meatball subs by placing meatballs in hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
- Enjoy them as appetizers with barbecue sauce, sweet chili sauce, or tzatziki for dipping.
- Add them to soups, salads, or grain bowls for a protein-packed twist.
These baked chicken meatballs are a versatile and delicious addition to your recipe repertoire. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a healthier twist on a classic favorite.