These easy chicken meatballs are tender and juicy, making dinner a breeze! They’re full of flavor and can be paired with pasta, rice, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Sometimes, I pretend these meatballs are tiny burgers—because, why not? 🍔 They’re so simple to make, just mix the ingredients, roll them up, and bake. A fun meal for anyone!
“`
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the primary protein for the meatballs. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend using plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for flavor. If you’re gluten-free, try crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead. They work great and keep the texture nice.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely salty flavor. You can also use Pecorino Romano for a bit of a sharper taste. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can mimic some of the cheese flavor.
Fresh Parsley: This herb gives freshness to the meatballs. If you don’t have parsley, basil or cilantro can be fun substitutes! Dried herbs can also work, just use about one teaspoon instead.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own quickly with canned tomatoes, garlic, and some herbs!
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Moist and Tender?
Making meatballs can sometimes lead to dry outcomes. To keep them moist, remember these tips:
- Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overworking can make them tough.
- The egg helps bind the mixture and adds moisture. Don’t skip it!
- Ensure to bake them just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking.
- Simmering them in the marinara sauce for a few minutes after baking helps them soak up more flavors while staying juicy.
“`
How to Make Easy Chicken Meatballs Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Serving:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked spaghetti or rice, for serving
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
- Extra parsley, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy chicken meatballs meal will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze later on.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s combined nicely. Don’t be shy—get in there with your hands if it helps!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, take a small amount of the meat mixture and form it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out so they can cook evenly.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. You’ll know they’re ready when they look delicious!
5. Heat the Marinara Sauce:
While your meatballs are baking, pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s warm and bubbling. This will bring your meal together beautifully!
6. Combine the Meatballs with Sauce:
Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Add the baked meatballs to the warm marinara sauce and stir gently to coat them. Let them heat in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes so they soak up all that yummy flavor.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the chicken meatballs over cooked spaghetti or rice on your plate. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra parsley on top and add a few lemon wedges for that fresh touch!
8. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious and easy chicken meatballs meal. It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Just follow the same measurements and cooking instructions, and you’ll still end up with delicious meatballs!
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even cooked rice as a substitute. Just make sure they’re finely crushed or blended to maintain the meatball texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Meatballs?
To store leftovers, place the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs up to the baking step, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, form the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. You can bake from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
