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    Home » Recipes » Ingredient » Chicken

    Italian Chicken Meatballs

    Published: Jul 26, 2022 · Modified: Aug 10, 2022 by Ang Paris · Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    There are nearly endless options for how to use our Italian Chicken Meatballs but everyone will agree that this classic comfort food made healthier is totally delicious!
    Total Time 22 minutes
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe
    Our flavorful Italian Chicken Meatball Recipe with lean ground chicken is delicious with pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce and a light side salad for a low carb option. Includes gluten-free alternative instructions. via @jugglingactmama

    With ground chicken, parmesan cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley, these Italian Chicken Meatballs are a scrumptious way to stretch your budget.

    Sheet pan of Italian Chicken Meatballs next to a jar of tomato sauce.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 🥄Equipment
    • ⭐ Tips
    • 🍲 Storage
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍴 Serving Suggestions
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • Find More Recipes
    • Italian Chicken Meatball Recipe

    While my husband's Authentic Italian Meatball Recipe is our go-to, this Italian Chicken Meatball recipe are a close second. In fact, these are very similar to our pork and beef meatballs as they also use parmesan, breadcrumbs, and Italian herbs and spices. Both recipes not pan-fried in olive oil but baked so there's less fat.

    These are the best chicken meatballs and make a healthy dinner the whole family will love! I almost always make a double batch since these are so easy to freeze (and thaw) and use for another meal later.

    ❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Healthy chicken meatballs are a great alternative for ground beef.
    • Makes a delicious family meal any night of the week.
    • Freezer-friendly and great for once a week or once a month cooking.
    Ingredients to make Italian Chicken Meatballs.

    🧂 Ingredients

    • lean ground chicken
    • seasoned breadcrumbs
    • parmesan cheese
    • milk
    • onion
    • fresh garlic
    • parsley
    • red pepper flakes
    • egg
    • kosher salt and black pepper

    This is meant to be a brief overview of this Italian Chicken Meatball recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    🔪 Instructions

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and ground chicken with the rest of the ingredients.
    2. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll the meatball mixture into balls. (I like to use a 2-inch scoop but you can make them smaller if you prefer.)
    3. Place the uncooked meatballs onto a large rimmed baking sheet pan or baking dish.
    4. Add a little bit of water to the pan so that all of the meatballs are sitting in about ¼-inch of water (this keeps them from burning or sticking on the bottom.
    5. Bake until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
    Collage image - How to Make Chicken Meatballs.

    🥄Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Here is what you will need to make this easy recipe:

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Baking Sheet
    • Cookie Scoop optional
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Dry Measuring Cups

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    ⭐ Tips

    ✔️ The easiest way to mix up the meatballs is to use clean hands. This is the way Nonna always did it!

    ✔️ Do not overwork the meatball mixture or it will become tough.

    ✔️ For really juicy chicken meatballs use a mixture of ground chicken that includes both white and dark meat. (Dark meat is considered to be more flavorful).

    Close up of juicy chicken meatballs on a plate with tomato sauce and fresh basil.

    🍲 Storage

    To Store: Cooked and cooled meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days.

    To Reheat: Place a saucepan with the meatballs and sauce on the stove. Cover and cook on low until heated through. Microwave individual portions.

    To Freeze: Line a clean baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the cooked meatballs are cooled, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet so that they are not touching. Flash freeze for 1 hour.

    Then, place the frozen meatballs into a freezer bag. Be sure to seal tightly and label. Meatballs will last 3-4 months.

    To Thaw: Place frozen meatballs into the fridge and allow to thaw overnight.

    Alternatively, frozen meatballs can be added to a crockpot with tomato sauce and will thaw in a couple of hours.

    Keto Chicken Meatballs
    Cheesy keto chicken meatballs are full of bold flavor and a little bit spicy - and they're perfect for those on a keto or low carb diet.
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Square image of Keto Chicken Meatballs on small appetizer plates.

    📖 Variations

    The first time you try any new recipe we recommend that you make it just as it is written on the recipe card since that is how the recipe has been tested. However, the next time you make our easy Italian chicken meatballs, you might want to try one of these ideas:

    • Substitute fresh herbs for some or all of the dried herbs.
    • Use a 50/50 mixture of ground chicken and ground pork or use ground turkey.
    • Omit the fresh onion and garlic cloves and use 1 tablespoon onion powder and 1 tablespoon garlic powder.

    Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a low carb recipe without gluten.

    Instant Pot Korean Meatballs
    Korean Meatballs are a breeze in the Instant Pot
    Get the Recipe >>>
    Korean Meatballs in a soft taco shell with purple cabbage. An Instant Pot Pressure cooker is seen in the background.

    🍴 Serving Suggestions

    For an amazing Italian meal, serve these Italian baked chicken meatballs with your favorite pasta, parmesan risotto, or baked spaghetti squash and marinara sauce. I love to serve mozzarella cheese stuffed garlic and herb bombs on the side!

    Looking for something a little different? Make a quick gravy and serve them with over rice or mashed potatoes and garlic green beans.

    For a great low-carb meal, substitute gluten-free bread crumbs and serve with tomato sauce and zucchini noodles.

    These delicious chicken meatballs can also be used to make meatball cupcakes, Italian meatball subs, and meatball sliders.

    • Side Dishes
    • Salads
    • Bread, Rolls and Biscuits
    • Veggies

    😋 Similar Recipes

    Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:

    • Authentic Italian Meatballs - a mixture of ground beef and pork, these are just like Nonna used to make!
    • Crockpot Jelly Meatballs - perfect for potlucks and parties, these little meatballs make a great appetizer.
    • Keto Chicken Meatballs - gluten-free and keto-friendly chicken meatballs have a spicy kick!

    Related: Mini Meatballs & Basil Tomato Sauce

    • Italian Sausage Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
    • American Goulash
    • Chicken Caesar Pasta
    • Crock Pot Angel Chicken

    Find More Recipes

    • Burgers
    • Pasta
    • Tacos
    • Best Casserole Recipes
    Be sure to pin this recipe for later.

    Not ready to make these Italian Chicken Meatballs yet?

    When you do make this recipe, please come back and comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Hand pouring a jar of marinara sauce on top of Italian Chicken Meatballs.

    Italian Chicken Meatball Recipe

    There are nearly endless options for how to use our Italian Chicken Meatballs but everyone will agree that this classic comfort food made healthier is totally delicious!
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian-American
    Keyword: Italian Chicken Meatballs, Italian Chicken Meatballs Recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 22 minutes
    Servings: 5 servings
    Calories: 286kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • Baking Sheet
    • Cookie Scoop optional
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Dry Measuring Cups

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb lean ground chicken
    • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
    • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
    • 2 tablespoons milk
    • 1 large egg lightly beaten
    • ¼ cup grated onion
    • 2 cloves fresh garlic
    • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
    • pinch red pepper flakes
    • kosher salt and black pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400-degrees F.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine bread crumbs and ground chicken with the rest of the ingredients.
      1 lb lean ground chicken, 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 large egg, ¼ cup grated onion, 2 cloves fresh garlic, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, pinch red pepper flakes, kosher salt and black pepper to taste
    • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll the meatball mixture into balls. (I like to use a 2-inch scoop but you can make them smaller if you prefer.)
    • Place the uncooked meatballs onto a large rimmed baking sheet pan.
    • Add a little bit of water to the pan so that all of the meatballs are sitting in about ¼-inch of water (this keeps them from burning or sticking on the bottom.
    • Bake at 400-degrees F for about 12 minutes until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. (Time will vary based on the size of the meatballs).

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 596mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 198IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 158mg | Iron: 2mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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