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Ground Chicken Meatballs Flavorful and Easy Recipe

by on March 18, 2025

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If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, these ground chicken meatballs are perfect. They’re easy to make and full of flavor. You can customize them with your favorite herbs and spices, making them unique to your taste. Plus, I’ll guide you step-by-step, so even new cooks can enjoy this dish. Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

To make delicious ground chicken meatballs, gather these key items: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) These ingredients come together to create a tasty meatball that is juicy and full of flavor. Feel free to play with these extras to make your meatballs unique: - Spicy marinara sauce for serving - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano - Different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta These options let you adjust the flavor to match your taste. Each serving of these meatballs offers balanced nutrition: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 20g - Fat: 12g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 300mg This meal is not only tasty but also gives good nutrition. Enjoy making these ground chicken meatballs! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Crack in 1 egg, then stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This can make your meatballs tough. Now it’s time to shape your meatballs. Use your hands to form small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. You should get around 20 meatballs from this mix. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs. Brown them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they look golden. After browning, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the meatballs are golden, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Once cooked, remove them from the oven. Serve hot, perhaps with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce, or enjoy them plain! To boost flavor, add herbs like basil or thyme. Spices like cumin or chili flakes work well too. You can mix in grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture. Using fresh garlic makes a big difference. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Use ground chicken with some fat for juiciness. Adding an egg helps bind without making them dense. Keep your hands wet when shaping to prevent sticking. These meatballs pair well with spicy marinara sauce. Try serving them over pasta or in a sub. For a lighter option, serve with a salad or roasted veggies. They also taste great in a wrap with fresh greens. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish’s appearance. Feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture gently. Perfect Size: Aim for uniform meatballs around 1-1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your meatballs. For an Italian twist, add herbs like basil, oregano, and a bit of red pepper flakes. Use marinara sauce for serving. If you want an Asian flavor, mix in ginger, scallions, and sesame oil. Serve with soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a fun dip. Ground chicken is very versatile. You can use it in meatloaf for a lighter option. Just swap it in your favorite meatloaf recipe. You can also add ground chicken to stir-fry dishes. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Toss it with veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick meal. You can cook your meatballs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just form the meatballs and place them on a preheated grill. Air frying is another great option. It cooks them evenly and keeps them crispy outside. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Both methods give tasty results! To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze cooked meatballs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Cooked meatballs last three days in the fridge. Uncooked meatballs can stay fresh for one day. For longer storage, freeze them right away. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey works well too. You can also try beef or pork. Each type of meat will add a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change slightly. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The meat should be white and not pink. Ground chicken meatballs go well with many sides. Try serving them with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in a sub sandwich with cheese. We covered essential ingredients and how to make tasty ground chicken meatballs. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, forming, and cooking them perfectly. Tips helped you avoid tough meatballs, and we explored fun variations and storage methods. Now, you have the tools to create flavorful meals and share them with others. Enjoy your cooking journey and don't hesitate to try new flavors and ideas.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy Option: These meatballs are made with lean ground chicken, making them a healthier choice compared to traditional beef meatballs.
  2. Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these meatballs come together quickly, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
  3. Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard adds a zesty flavor that elevates these meatballs beyond the ordinary.
  4. Versatile: These meatballs can be served with pasta, in a sub, or on their own with marinara sauce, making them a versatile dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

List of essential ingredients

To make delicious ground chicken meatballs, gather these key items:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 egg

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

These ingredients come together to create a tasty meatball that is juicy and full of flavor.

Optional ingredients for customization

Feel free to play with these extras to make your meatballs unique:

– Spicy marinara sauce for serving

– Red pepper flakes for heat

– Fresh herbs like basil or oregano

– Different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta

These options let you adjust the flavor to match your taste.

Nutritional information per serving

Each serving of these meatballs offers balanced nutrition:

– Calories: 250

– Protein: 20g

– Fat: 12g

– Carbohydrates: 15g

– Fiber: 1g

– Sodium: 300mg

This meal is not only tasty but also gives good nutrition. Enjoy making these ground chicken meatballs!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the meatball mixture

To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Crack in 1 egg, then stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This can make your meatballs tough.

Forming and cooking the meatballs

Now it’s time to shape your meatballs. Use your hands to form small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. You should get around 20 meatballs from this mix. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs. Brown them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they look golden.

Baking instructions for optimal results

After browning, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the meatballs are golden, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Once cooked, remove them from the oven. Serve hot, perhaps with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce, or enjoy them plain!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing flavor and texture

To boost flavor, add herbs like basil or thyme. Spices like cumin or chili flakes work well too. You can mix in grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture. Using fresh garlic makes a big difference.

How to avoid tough meatballs

Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Use ground chicken with some fat for juiciness. Adding an egg helps bind without making them dense. Keep your hands wet when shaping to prevent sticking.

Suggestions for pairing with sauces and sides

These meatballs pair well with spicy marinara sauce. Try serving them over pasta or in a sub. For a lighter option, serve with a salad or roasted veggies. They also taste great in a wrap with fresh greens.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish’s appearance. Feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture gently.
  3. Perfect Size: Aim for uniform meatballs around 1-1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing.
  4. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Variations

Different flavor profiles (e.g., Italian, Asian)

You can easily change the flavor of your meatballs. For an Italian twist, add herbs like basil, oregano, and a bit of red pepper flakes. Use marinara sauce for serving. If you want an Asian flavor, mix in ginger, scallions, and sesame oil. Serve with soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a fun dip.

Using ground chicken in other dishes (e.g., meatloaf, stir-fry)

Ground chicken is very versatile. You can use it in meatloaf for a lighter option. Just swap it in your favorite meatloaf recipe. You can also add ground chicken to stir-fry dishes. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Toss it with veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.

Alternative cooking methods (e.g., grilling, air frying)

You can cook your meatballs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just form the meatballs and place them on a preheated grill. Air frying is another great option. It cooks them evenly and keeps them crispy outside. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Both methods give tasty results!

Storage Info

Best practices for storing leftovers

To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing and reheating suggestions

You can freeze cooked meatballs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Shelf life of cooked and uncooked meatballs

Cooked meatballs last three days in the fridge. Uncooked meatballs can stay fresh for one day. For longer storage, freeze them right away. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey works well too. You can also try beef or pork. Each type of meat will add a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change slightly.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The meat should be white and not pink.

What can I serve with ground chicken meatballs?

Ground chicken meatballs go well with many sides. Try serving them with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in a sub sandwich with cheese.

We covered essential ingredients and how to make tasty ground chicken meatballs. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, forming, and cooking them perfectly. Tips helped you avoid tough meatballs, and we explored fun variations and storage methods.

Now, you have the tools to create flavorful meals and share them with others. Enjoy your cooking journey and don’t hesitate to try new flavors and idea

To make delicious ground chicken meatballs, gather these key items: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 egg - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) These ingredients come together to create a tasty meatball that is juicy and full of flavor. Feel free to play with these extras to make your meatballs unique: - Spicy marinara sauce for serving - Red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh herbs like basil or oregano - Different cheeses, like mozzarella or feta These options let you adjust the flavor to match your taste. Each serving of these meatballs offers balanced nutrition: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 20g - Fat: 12g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fiber: 1g - Sodium: 300mg This meal is not only tasty but also gives good nutrition. Enjoy making these ground chicken meatballs! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Next, add 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Crack in 1 egg, then stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This can make your meatballs tough. Now it’s time to shape your meatballs. Use your hands to form small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. You should get around 20 meatballs from this mix. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your meatballs. Brown them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they look golden. After browning, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the meatballs are golden, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should reach 165°F (74°C) inside. Once cooked, remove them from the oven. Serve hot, perhaps with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce, or enjoy them plain! To boost flavor, add herbs like basil or thyme. Spices like cumin or chili flakes work well too. You can mix in grated carrots or zucchini for extra moisture. Using fresh garlic makes a big difference. Overmixing makes meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Use ground chicken with some fat for juiciness. Adding an egg helps bind without making them dense. Keep your hands wet when shaping to prevent sticking. These meatballs pair well with spicy marinara sauce. Try serving them over pasta or in a sub. For a lighter option, serve with a salad or roasted veggies. They also taste great in a wrap with fresh greens. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish’s appearance. Feel free to mix in other herbs like basil or cilantro for a unique twist. Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture gently. Perfect Size: Aim for uniform meatballs around 1-1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking. Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your meatballs. For an Italian twist, add herbs like basil, oregano, and a bit of red pepper flakes. Use marinara sauce for serving. If you want an Asian flavor, mix in ginger, scallions, and sesame oil. Serve with soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a fun dip. Ground chicken is very versatile. You can use it in meatloaf for a lighter option. Just swap it in your favorite meatloaf recipe. You can also add ground chicken to stir-fry dishes. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Toss it with veggies and your favorite sauce for a quick meal. You can cook your meatballs in different ways. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just form the meatballs and place them on a preheated grill. Air frying is another great option. It cooks them evenly and keeps them crispy outside. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Both methods give tasty results! To keep your meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking. This helps prevent sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze cooked meatballs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Cooked meatballs last three days in the fridge. Uncooked meatballs can stay fresh for one day. For longer storage, freeze them right away. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground turkey works well too. You can also try beef or pork. Each type of meat will add a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may change slightly. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The meat should be white and not pink. Ground chicken meatballs go well with many sides. Try serving them with spaghetti and marinara sauce. You can also pair them with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. For a fun twist, serve them in a sub sandwich with cheese. We covered essential ingredients and how to make tasty ground chicken meatballs. You learned step-by-step instructions for mixing, forming, and cooking them perfectly. Tips helped you avoid tough meatballs, and we explored fun variations and storage methods. Now, you have the tools to create flavorful meals and share them with others. Enjoy your cooking journey and don't hesitate to try new flavors and ideas.

Zesty Ground Chicken Meatballs

Delicious and flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken and fresh herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit egg
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • optional spicy marinara sauce for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, Dijon mustard, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix all the ingredients until just combined; be careful not to overmix as it can make the meatballs tough.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 20 meatballs.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  • Serve the meatballs hot with a drizzle of spicy marinara sauce if desired, or simply enjoy them as they are!

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, meatballs

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