Juicy Chicken Meatball Recipe – Easy and Flavorful

1. Healthier alternative: Chicken is leaner than beef, making these meatballs a guilt-free comfort food.
2. Juicy and flavorful: With the right mix of herbs, breadcrumbs, and moisture, they’re anything but dry.
3. Versatile: Serve them with pasta, in wraps, on rice bowls, or as appetizers with dipping sauces.
4. Freezer-friendly: Make a batch and store for easy weeknight meals.
5. Kid-approved: Mild, delicious, and easy to eat — perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make about 20-24 medium-sized chicken meatballs:

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken – Choose a mix of breast and thigh for juiciness.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat and retain moisture.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and flavor.
• 1 large egg – Acts as a binder.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that irresistible aroma.
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion – Adds sweetness and moisture.
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley – Fresh herbs brighten the flavor.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A balanced mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional) – Adds a hint of heat.
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce (optional, but highly recommended)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Prep the Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything until just combined gently. Be careful not to overmix — that can make the meatballs tough.
• If the mixture feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs. If it feels dry, drizzle a bit of milk or olive oil.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

• Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
• Tip: Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking while rolling the meatballs.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

There are three great ways to cook chicken meatballs — bake, pan-fry, or air-fry.

• Option 1: Bake (Healthy & Hands-Free)

  Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Option 2: Pan-Fry (Crispy & Flavorful)

  Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and cooked through. This method gives them a crispy exterior and extra flavor.

• Option 3: Air-Fry (Quick & Convenient)

  Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket lightly with oil, then arrange the meatballs in a single layer. Air-fry for 12–14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll come out golden, juicy, and evenly cooked.

Step 4: Make the Sauce (Optional but Worth It!)

• In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful.
• Add your cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes to let them absorb all that delicious flavor.

This is where chicken meatballs truly shine — they can fit into almost any meal.

1. Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

   Toss them in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti for a timeless comfort dish. Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.

2. Chicken Meatball Subs

   Load toasted rolls with meatballs, sauce, and melted mozzarella for an easy weeknight sandwich.

3. Asian-Style Chicken Meatballs

   Skip the tomato sauce and toss your meatballs in a glaze made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and sesame oil. Serve with jasmine rice and steamed veggies.

4. Appetizer Skewers

   Stick a few meatballs on skewers and serve with dipping sauces like ranch, sweet chili, or garlic aioli. Great for parties!

5. Meal Prep Bowls

   Pair chicken meatballs with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or salad greens for a healthy, balanced lunch option.

Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs

1. Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined — overmixing makes them dense.
2. Add moisture. A splash of milk or olive oil helps prevent dryness.
3. Use a mix of white and dark meat. Ground chicken breast alone can be lean; thigh meat adds tenderness.
4. Test a small patty first. Cook a mini chicken meatball to check the seasoning before shaping the rest.
5. Let them rest. After cooking, let the meatballs rest for 2–3 minutes to lock in the juices.

Flavor Variations

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, try these twists:

1. Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs: Add crumbled feta, chopped spinach, and oregano. Serve with tzatziki sauce.
2. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Mix with buffalo sauce, then serve with ranch dressing and celery sticks.
3. Thai-Inspired Meatballs: Use ginger, garlic, cilantro, and fish sauce, then drizzle with peanut sauce.
4. Cheesy Chicken Meatballs: Stuff each ball with a cube of mozzarella before cooking — gooey perfection!

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