These chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and super easy to make. Packed with Parmesan, garlic, and a touch of black pepper, they come together in just 40 minutes — perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer.
Whether you toss them in marinara, add them to pasta, or pair them with a Cajun dipping sauce, they always hit the spot.
I remember making these for a family cookout by the bayou — they disappeared fast! The Parmesan and garlic combo gives them that rich, savory flavor, and baking them keeps them light yet crispy.
Pro tip: Lightly oil your hands when rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking and space them out on the baking sheet for even browning. Give them a try and let me know how you make them your own!
Why You’ll Be Hooked?
- Soft and juicy texture: The breadcrumbs and egg mixture keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Easy to customize: Swap the seasonings or sauce to suit your mood.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for quick weeknight dinners.
- Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties or family dinners—everyone loves them.
- Healthier option: Baked instead of fried, so you get all the flavor without the extra oil.
Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- additional seasonings optional!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients until well mixed.
- Roll the mixture into about 30 small balls.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Enjoy warm with your favorite sauce!
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs!
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing the ingredients too much can make the meatballs tough. Combine just until everything holds together.
- Use Panko for Light Texture: Panko breadcrumbs keep the meatballs soft and light. If using regular breadcrumbs, reduce the amount slightly to avoid a dense texture.
- Oil Your Hands: Lightly coat your hands with olive oil before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking and create a smooth surface.
- Even Size for Even Cooking: Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to make uniform meatballs. This helps them cook evenly and keeps them from drying out.
- Try Pan-Frying: For extra crispiness, pan-fry the meatballs in olive oil over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes on each side before finishing in the oven.
Howdy! I’m Austin Carter, a photographer who loves to cook. During the day, I take pictures, but at night, I dive into the world of flavors and recipes. You’ll often find me experimenting in the kitchen, blending flavors, and creating delightful concoctions. I run the “Beyond the Bayou Blog,” where I share easy and tasty recipes every day.
My blog focuses on cooking, bringing you simple and delicious meals. From quick dinners to special treats, each recipe is made with care and shared with joy.
Come join me in the kitchen through “Beyond the Bayou Blog,” where cooking is simple, fun, and full of flavor. Let’s enjoy the tasty side of life together!
