Baked Chicken Meatballs: The Ultimate Meatball Recipe
Introduction to Baked Chicken Meatballs
Baked chicken meatballs are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, zucchini noodles, or enjoying them as a snack, these meatballs are sure to impress everyone at your table!
A Personal Story Behind My Baked Chicken Meatballs Journey
I remember the first time I made baked chicken meatballs. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something comforting yet light. I rummaged through my pantry and created a recipe that combined my love for chicken and easy cooking methods. Since then, these meatballs have become a staple in my home, bringing warmth and joy to family gatherings and weeknight meals alike.
What Makes This Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because it combines simple ingredients that you likely already have at home, with a fresh twist from the lemon garlic herb butter sauce. The baking method allows for a healthier approach without sacrificing flavor, making these meatballs a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they are versatile enough to pair with various sides, making them perfect for any occasion.
The Full Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Garlic Herb Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray. This ensures the meatballs won’t stick!
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients together until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there for the best mixing!
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used, making around 35 meatballs.
- Bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your meatballs are safe to eat!
- For the sauce, melt the butter and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, then stir in the fresh herbs for that burst of flavor.
- Brush or spoon the herb butter sauce over the cooked meatballs. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve the warm meatballs with extra herb butter sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles for a delightful meal.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They make for a quick lunch or snack!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Baked Chicken Meatballs
These baked chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile! You can serve them over a bed of mixed greens for a light option, or alongside roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, try them in a sub sandwich topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs in the sauce, such as basil or rosemary, to suit your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Chicken Meatballs
Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes! You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before baking.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will yield similar results.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs? If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers work well in place of breadcrumbs.
How do I know when the meatballs are done? The best way to check is with an instant-read thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 200
- Servings: 8
Baked Chicken Meatballs
Equipment
- Oven Preheat to 400°F (204°C)
- Baking sheet Line with parchment paper or nonstick spray
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3.75 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
- 0.25 cup unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients together until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there for the best mixing!
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, roll it into a ball, and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all the mixture is used, making around 35 meatballs.
- Bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your meatballs are safe to eat!
- For the sauce, melt the butter and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove from heat, then stir in the fresh herbs for that burst of flavor.
- Brush or spoon the herb butter sauce over the cooked meatballs. If you like a little heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve the warm meatballs with extra herb butter sauce over pasta or zucchini noodles for a delightful meal.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They make for a quick lunch or snack!