Description

These juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs are a quick and versatile dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, aromatic herbs, and simple pantry staples, they can be baked to a golden perfection or pan-fried for a crispy exterior. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce, pasta, subs, or alongside rice and veggies for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Cooking

1–2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or brushing before baking)

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Instructions

Prepare Cooking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs, or heat a skillet over medium heat if you prefer pan-frying.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, aiming to make about 18 to 20 evenly sized balls for consistent cooking.
Bake Meatballs (Optional): Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush each with olive oil to help create a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pan-Fry Meatballs (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are well browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
Serve: Enjoy your chicken meatballs hot, paired with marinara sauce, pasta, subs, or a side of rice and vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender and juicy.
Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor or dried if fresh is not available.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety (165°F / 74°C).
Meatballs can be frozen raw or cooked; thaw and reheat before serving.
If baking, brushing with olive oil helps achieve a nice golden crust.
For extra flavor, serve with your favorite marinara sauce or sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes (baking) or 10-12 minutes (pan-frying)
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American