Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as simple as it is delicious, then you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe. I absolutely love how these meatballs turn out tender and flavorful without any fuss, and you’ll find that they bake up perfectly in the oven with minimal effort. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty snack for your family gathering, these meatballs will quickly become your go-to!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create tender, flavorful meatballs. I recommend fresh herbs whenever possible—it really elevates the brightness of the dish. When shopping, look for good-quality ground chicken and fresh garlic to ensure each bite tastes fresh.

• Ground chicken: I usually use 94% lean for juicy but not greasy meatballs.
• Egg: It helps bind the meatballs without weighing them down.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness to the mix.
• Worcestershire sauce: This little ingredient adds a subtle umami punch.
• Breadcrumbs: I use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs to add structure and soak up moisture.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that savory, nutty flavor.
• Garlic: Minced fresh for maximum aroma and taste.
• Salt and black pepper: To season perfectly.
• Onion powder and dried oregano: For layering in that classic herbaceous note.
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and freshness inside the meatballs and in the butter sauce.
• Unsalted butter: For the luscious lemon herb butter sauce that makes these meatballs shine.
• Lemon juice: Gives a bright, tangy finish to the sauce.
• Fresh thyme and oregano leaves: Essential for a fresh herb punch in the sauce.
• Optional crushed red pepper flakes: For a little heat if you want to spice things up.

Variations

I love how versatile this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe is — you can easily tweak it depending on your mood or dietary needs. I often experiment with different cheeses or swap the herbs depending on the season. Feel free to make this recipe your own!

• Make it gluten-free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. I did this once when a friend visited and nobody noticed the difference!
• Add heat: Mix in some red pepper flakes directly into the meatball mix for a spicy kick.
• Herb swap: Use basil or cilantro for a fresh twist — I especially like basil in summer when it’s abundant in my garden.
• Cheese variations: Try swapping parmesan with pecorino romano or even mozzarella for a gooey surprise inside the meatballs.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it generously with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. I learned the hard way that skipping this step can make the clean-up tougher than it needs to be!

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients Together

Grab a large bowl and combine ground chicken, egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and chopped parsley. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs can turn dense. When I first tried making meatballs, I made the mistake of overmixing – lesson learned!

Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per meatball and gently roll them between your palms to form balls. Place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. You should end up with around 35 meatballs. I find that wetting my hands slightly helps prevent sticking.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Pop your tray into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The best way to check if they’re done is with an instant-read thermometer — aim for 165°F (74°C) inside. This step takes the guesswork out of baking! These meatballs come out juicy and tender every single time when I do this.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

While the meatballs bake, melt butter with lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt. This buttery sauce is the secret to the meatballs’ irresistible flavor.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

As soon as the meatballs come out of the oven, spoon or brush the lemon herb butter sauce over them while they’re hot. I usually save some extra sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle on crushed red pepper flakes—you can’t go wrong.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Sometimes, I add a few lemon zest curls for that extra pop of brightness.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with simple sides like zucchini noodles or spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad make a perfect counterbalance to the richness of the lemon herb butter sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party platter, I like arranging the meatballs on a wooden board with toothpicks and serving extra lemon herb butter in a small bowl for dipping. I’ve also tried layering them over creamy polenta for a cozy dinner, which was a big hit with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to a week. I always save any extra herb butter sauce separately to pour on fresh when reheating.

Freezing

I like to freeze leftover meatballs on a baking sheet first, so they don’t stick, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

Reheat leftover meatballs gently in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warm through, then brush with fresh lemon herb butter sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them nice and tender with the sauce fully absorbed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it’s reliable, simple, and so full of flavor. I love how it comes together quickly but still impresses everyone at the table. If you’re looking for a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this is it — I highly recommend giving it a try. You’ll be glad you did!

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