The Juiciest Chicken Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting delectable chicken meatballs demands creativity and passion for home cooking.

My kitchen adventures often lead to unexpected culinary discoveries.

Succulent and perfectly seasoned, these spherical delights promise a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

Lean protein meets aromatic herbs in a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each bite tells a story of carefully selected ingredients and mindful preparation.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe bridges comfort food with gourmet sensibilities.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and create something memorable that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Meatballs: Savory Bites of Joy

• Whip Up Quick Protein: These chicken meatballs are super fast to prepare, requiring simple mixing and rolling, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for multiple serving styles – from pasta dishes to sandwiches, these meatballs work brilliantly for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
• Healthier Protein Option: Lean ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs, delivering great flavor with lower fat content, making them a smart choice for health-conscious food lovers.
• Easy Cooking Flexibility: Meatballs can be pan-fried or baked, giving home chefs multiple cooking methods based on preference or kitchen equipment available, ensuring convenient preparation every single time.

Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of these delicious meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Beaten Egg: These ingredients help hold the meatballs together and add rich flavor and texture.

• Minced Garlic, Onion, Parsley, Oregano, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: A blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and aroma of the chicken meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Used for frying or brushing the meatballs to achieve a golden-brown exterior.

How to Make Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Blend Aromatic Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Beaten egg
• Minced garlic
• Finely chopped onion
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold these ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the mixture.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Morsels

Tenderly roll the seasoned mixture into petite, bite-sized spheres, aiming for a consistent size of roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection

Select your preferred cooking method:

Skillet Method:

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place meatballs in the pan, rotating periodically to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior.

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically taking 10-12 minutes.

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, lightly brushing with olive oil.

Roast for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

Step 4: Serve and Savor

• Twirled pasta and rich tomato sauce
• Crusty submarine sandwich
• Nestled atop creamy polenta

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or fragrant basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs

• Opt for ground chicken with a lower fat percentage to keep meatballs tender and prevent dryness.
• Gently combine ingredients to maintain a light, soft texture and avoid dense, tough meatballs.
• Cook a small meatball sample to check flavor and adjust salt, herbs, or spices before forming entire batch.
• Use oven-baking method to reduce oil and create evenly cooked, crispy exterior without excessive fat.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs that cook consistently and look professional.

Variations to Try with Chicken Meatballs

• Turkey Transformation: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner protein option with similar texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped mint, and add cumin to create a Greek-inspired version with enhanced Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Protein Boost: Mix in red pepper flakes, use smoked paprika, and add diced jalapeños for a zesty, heat-packed meatball variation that brings extra excitement to the dish.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Meatballs

• Pasta Paradise: Toss the chicken meatballs with al dente spaghetti, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan for a classic Italian-inspired dinner.
• Zesty Meatball Sub: Nestle the meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll, top with melted provolone cheese, and drizzle with spicy marinara for a hearty sandwich.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Arrange meatballs on a platter with tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, warm pita bread, and hummus for a vibrant, shareable meal.
• Protein-Packed Salad Bowl: Slice meatballs and serve over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a fresh, nutritious option.

How to Store Chicken Meatballs

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep them away from raw foods to prevent cross-contamination.
• Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute with similar texture and protein content. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked.

• How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Use a binding agent like egg and breadcrumbs, and mix ingredients gently without overmixing. Chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping can also help meatballs hold together.

• Are these meatballs healthy?

Chicken meatballs are leaner than beef, offering lower fat content. They provide good protein and can be part of a balanced diet when prepared with minimal oil and paired with vegetables.

Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mexican-style chicken meatballs bring zesty flavors from authentic ingredients. Cilantro, lime, and spices create a mouthwatering dish that satisfies cravings and invites culinary exploration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or brushing)

Serving Options:

• Pasta (spaghetti or any type)
• Tomato sauce (marinara or homemade)
• Crusty bread (for subs or on the side)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Delicately fold ingredients together, maintaining a light touch to prevent dense meatball texture.
3. Craft uniform spherical portions approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter using gentle rolling motions.
4. Select cooking method: skillet or oven preparation.
5. For skillet technique, warm olive oil over medium heat (375°F), carefully positioning meatballs to prevent overcrowding.
6. Rotate meatballs periodically, ensuring golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaching 165°F, approximately 10-12 minutes.
7. Oven alternative: Preheat to 400°F, arrange meatballs on lined baking sheet, lightly brush with olive oil.
8. Roast for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even browning and complete cooking.
9. Transfer to serving platter, accompanied by pasta, marinara sauce, or nestled within crusty bread sandwich.
10. Elevate presentation by scattering fresh parsley or basil as vibrant garnish.

Notes

• Chill the mixture for 15-30 minutes before forming meatballs to help them hold shape and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Use a light touch when mixing and shaping to keep meatballs tender and prevent dense, tough texture.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
• For extra moisture, add a splash of milk or grated zucchini to prevent dry meatballs, especially when using lean ground chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes (skillet) or 20 minutes (oven)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg