Ground Chicken Meatballs
The first time I made Ground Chicken Meatballs, it was one of those spontaneous weeknight dinners that turned into a family favorite. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and comforting but quick to prepare. As I mixed the ingredients together, the savory aroma of ground chicken and Italian seasoning filled the kitchen, making everyone curious about what was cooking. Watching the meatballs bake in the oven, I could hardly wait to serve them with a side of pasta and a sprinkle of cheese. It became a tradition to make these delicious meatballs on busy nights, and now, they hold a special place in our hearts.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
3 mins
17 mins
Easy
200 kcal
22 g
Paleo, AIP, Low FODMAP
8 g
Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Oven, Mixing Bowl
What You’ll Enjoy About This Ground Chicken Meatballs
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about Ground Chicken Meatballs is how easy they are to prepare ahead of time. I often make a double batch, so I can enjoy them throughout the week. They freeze beautifully, making them a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when cooking feels like a chore.
Versatile and Flavorful
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can serve them with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or even as a standalone appetizer with dipping sauces. The flavor from the garlic and Italian seasoning brings them to life, and you can easily customize the seasoning to suit your taste.
Healthier Option
Using ground chicken instead of beef makes these meatballs a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. They’re lower in fat and calories, which is perfect for those of us who are trying to watch our diets but still want a hearty meal. You can indulge guilt-free!
Kid-Friendly
Kids love meatballs, and they’re often more willing to eat them when they’re bite-sized and fun. My kids enjoy helping with the rolling part of the process, and it becomes a family activity that we look forward to. Plus, serving them with their favorite sauce makes them even more appealing.
Simple Ingredients
With basic ingredients like eggs, milk, and bread crumbs, these meatballs don’t require anything fancy. Most of the time, you probably already have what you need in your pantry.
Recipe Ingredients for Ground Chicken Meatballs

This recipe showcases simple yet essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create delicious meatballs. The key players include ground chicken, which provides a lean protein base, and Italian seasoning, which infuses the meatballs with aromatic flavors. Together, they create a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The star of this recipe, ground chicken is lean and perfect for a healthier meatball option.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder that holds the meatballs together while adding moisture and richness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Provides additional moisture and tenderness, ensuring the meatballs stay juicy.
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Adds robust flavor and aroma that is essential for great tasting meatballs.
- 1 cup bread crumbs: I used panko bread crumbs, which give the meatballs a light, crispy texture.
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without adding extra moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the meat, ensuring a well-balanced flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild kick that rounds out the flavors.
Making This Ground Chicken Meatballs

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into making these Ground Chicken Meatballs. The steps are straightforward, and the result is so rewarding. Follow along as I guide you through this delicious process!
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. This initial step is crucial as it ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly and thoroughly. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside for easy cleanup later.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.
- Using lightly wet hands, roll out 20 meatballs. This step is so much fun! The mixture will be a bit sticky, but wet hands help prevent it from clinging to your fingers. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Place them on a wire rimmed baking sheet or a baking tray lined with aluminum foil. Ensure there’s space between each meatball; this will help them brown nicely.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 to 17 minutes, or until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165F. This is key for food safety!
Things Worth Knowing
Things Worth Knowing
- Leftover storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
- Freezing: Transfer the cooked meatballs to an airtight container or plastic bag and place them in the freezer. The meatballs will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- Reheating: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and place them in the oven at a low temperature. Make sure to cover the meatballs with foil so they don’t dry out.
- Cooking variations: To make this stovetop, add olive oil to a large skillet or pan and place it over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating them regularly.
- Air frying: For air fryer chicken meatballs, place the prepped meatballs in a greased air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make It Your Own

These Ground Chicken Meatballs are perfect for personalizing and adapting to your taste. Here are some creative ideas to make them uniquely yours:
- Add cheese: For an extra indulgent option, incorporate cheese like mozzarella into the meatball mixture.
- Spice them up: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that gives your meatballs a kick.
- Fresh herbs: Consider adding fresh parsley or basil to the mixture for a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Make them smaller: If you’re serving guests, rolling smaller meatballs makes for perfect finger food and appetizers.
- Different meats: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat, like turkey or a blend of beef and pork, if you’d like.
Serving Ideas for Ground Chicken Meatballs
When it comes to serving Ground Chicken Meatballs, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- With pasta: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, topped with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese for a classic Italian dish.
- In a sub: Place the meatballs in a hoagie roll, add some marinara and melted cheese, and you’ve got a delicious meatball sub.
- As an appetizer: Serve them with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces for a fun appetizer at parties.
- Paired with veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a lighter meal option.
- At family gatherings: These meatballs are perfect for potlucks and gatherings; they’re always a hit!
- Comfort food: Enjoy them with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
FAQ
Conclusion
This recipe for Ground Chicken Meatballs is truly a winner in our household. The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to meal for busy nights. I invite you to try making these delicious meatballs for your family. You’ll fall in love with their flavor and versatility!

Ground Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F. Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, milk, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined.
- Using lightly wet hands, roll out 20 meatballs. Place them on a wire rimmed baking sheet or a baking tray lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake the meatballs for 15 to 17 minutes, or until fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165F.
Notes
- Tip 1: To make this stovetop, add olive oil to a large skillet or pan and place it over medium-high heat. Once hot, cook the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating them regularly.
- Tip 2: To make air fryer chicken meatballs, place the prepped meatballs in a greased air fryer basket and air fry at 200C/400F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Tip 3: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.
- Tip 4: Transfer the cooked meatballs to an airtight container or plastic bag and place them in the freezer. The meatballs will last in the freezer for 2 to 3 months.
- Tip 5: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and place them in the oven at a low temperature. Make sure to cover the meatballs with foil so they don’t dry out.


