Lighter Lovelier Baked Chicken Meatballs

Lighter Lovelier Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe

By SandraAugust 13, 2025Updated: August 12, 2025

Ditch the frying These Baked Chicken Meatballs are juicy flavorful and healthier Perfect for pasta subs or as a tasty appetizer Get the easy chicken meatball recipe now ... Healthy Eats

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Recipe Introduction: Lighter & Lovelier Baked Chicken Meatballs

Fancy some delicious, healthier meatballs? Are you after the best chicken meatball recipe ? These Baked Chicken Meatballs are the answer.

Honestly, they are so easy. They are light, tasty and baked, not fried.

These oven baked meatballs are not your typical Sunday dinner. It is the way forward. Originating from a desire for lighter fare, they offer classic comfort with a healthy twist.

This recipe is easy, taking about 35 minutes total. It makes around 16 homemade chicken meatballs , perfect for four servings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These low fat chicken meatballs are packed with protein. They are fantastic for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.

What makes these ground chicken meatballs special? We are talking about baked not fried. That’s right, these baked chicken meatballs are a total game-changer.

You can serve these chicken meatballs to your friends and family without any concerns. These are also perfect as a baked chicken meatballs appetizer .

A Sneak Peek at the Good Stuff

Here's what you will need. Ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, an egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano.

Do not forget milk for added moisture. Olive oil for that golden finish. That is all you need for a healthy meatball recipe .

Lighter Lovelier Baked Chicken Meatballs presentation

Baking Your Way to Deliciousness

Get ready to bake! Trust me, it is easier than you think. First you will preheat the oven to 400° F ( 200° C).

Then, you will mix all of the ingredients. After that, you’re going to shape the meatballs and bake them. Finally, you can serve.

Don't Overmix That Good Stuff

Remember, mix gently. Overmixing leads to tough oven baked chicken balls . Bake until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) .

Final Thoughts

These easy meatball recipe are not just food. It's a flavourful, healthy hug on a plate. Enjoy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you need for these baked chicken meatballs . Don't worry. It's all pretty straightforward. I promise! Cooking these chicken meatballs is easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday.

And trust me, they are super tasty. You will get hooked.

What Goes Inside? The Chicken Meatball Recipe Deconstructed

Alright, here is the breakdown. For the ground chicken meatballs themselves, you'll need:

1 lb (450g) ground chicken. Quality is key here. Look for chicken that's pink and doesn't smell funky.
½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs. Panko or regular. I tend to go for panko. They add a nice crunch.
¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese. Real Parmesan, not that stuff in the green can.
1 large egg.
2 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is always best.
2 tbsp (10g) chopped fresh parsley. Dried works too. Use 1 tsp (2g) of the dried stuff.
½ tsp (1g) onion powder.
½ tsp (3g) salt.
¼ tsp (0.5g) black pepper.
½ tsp (1g) dried oregano.
2 tbsp (30ml) milk. Optional, but it keeps things moist and lovely.

For baking, you’ll need 1-2 tbsp (15-30ml) olive oil.

Seasoning: A Flavor Bomb

These spice combos will take your baked chicken meatballs appetizer to the next level. Honestly, sometimes I just sniff the spice jar.

For that classic Italian vibe, oregano and parsley are essential. A little onion powder rounds it all out. For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Don't be afraid to experiment! You've got this. For a healthy meatball recipe , herbs and spices are your best friends to keep things flavourful.

Kit Out Your Kitchen

You don't need fancy gear for this easy meatball recipe . Just a few basics:

A large mixing bowl.
A baking sheet.
Parchment paper (makes cleanup a breeze, but not essential).
Measuring cups and spoons.
Meat thermometer. This is CRUCIAL to ensure the oven baked chicken balls are cooked. You are aiming for 165° F ( 74° C) .
A small bowl for olive oil, if you are brushing.

If you haven’t got parchment paper, just lightly grease the baking sheet. No stress! These low fat chicken meatballs are so easy and satisfying, you will be surprised.

They will soon become your favourite recipe for homemade chicken meatballs .

Lighter & Lovelier: The Best Baked Chicken Meatballs

Fancy some chicken meatballs ? But want to keep it healthy? Then you are in the right place! Ditch the frying pan! These baked chicken meatballs are the answer.

This recipe gives you tasty meatballs with a healthy twist. It’s proper good food! Lean ground chicken, herbs, and a bit of Parmesan make a tender, juicy meatball.

Perfect for pasta or as a yummy appetizer! Honestly, so easy!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Chicken Meatball Recipe Starts Here!

First, get your mise en place sorted. This means having everything ready to go! Grab 1 lb ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, spices, and milk (optional).

It’s like prepping for a proper bake-off!

To save time, measure out all spices into one small bowl. Chop your parsley in advance too. Sorted! A proper easy meatball recipe !

Safety first! Make sure your hands are clean. And always cook chicken to a safe temperature. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy!

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Baked Meatballs !

Preheat & Prep: Set your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Line a baking sheet. This will save you from scrubbing later.
Combine Ingredients: In a big bowl, mix all meatball ingredients. Don't overmix!
Shape Meatballs: Scoop the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. A golf ball size will do.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Put the meatballs on the baking sheet. Leave some space between them.
Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely.
Bake: Bake for 18- 20 minutes . They should be cooked through and golden brown. The internal temp should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
(Optional) Broil: For extra browning, broil for 1- 2 minutes . Watch them closely, they can burn quickly!

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Ground Chicken Meatballs Game!

Don't overmix the meat! It makes tough meatballs. Nobody wants that. Mix it gently just until combined!

Want them extra juicy? Add a splash of milk to the mixture. It works wonders, trust me! These are proper homemade chicken meatballs .

A common mistake is undercooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer. Always! For a healthy meatball recipe , make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through.

Fancy making them ahead? No worries! Shape the meatballs and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

Easy peasy! These are perfect as a baked chicken meatballs appetizer . This is a great low fat chicken meatballs alternative.

These oven baked chicken balls are perfect.

So there you have it! My foolproof recipe for absolutely delicious baked chicken meatballs . You'll be chuffed to bits!

Recipe Notes for Stellar Baked Chicken Meatballs

Right, so you've got the recipe. But let's chat about some extra bits and bobs. These are some things I've picked up along the way making this chicken meatball recipe .

Things that'll take your baked meatballs from good to "Oh my gosh, these are amazing!".

Serving Suggestions: Plating & Pairings

Okay, presentation matters. Seriously. Don’t just chuck the ground chicken meatballs onto a plate. For a simple dinner, pile them high on spaghetti with marinara.

Classic, innit? If you are having posh friends over, arrange the Baked chicken meatballs appetizer on a platter with various dips.

Think pesto, sweet chili, or even a creamy garlic aioli. A good bottle of Italian red is a must! Honestly, they are perfect served on mash potatoes.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Flavour Alive

Right, you've made a batch of these healthy meatball recipe beauties. What now? Any leftovers can go in the fridge for up to three days.

Make sure they are in an airtight container, mind. Fancy freezing them? Absolutely! They'll keep for up to three months.

When reheating, I prefer the oven for a crispier result, or a quick zap in the microwave if you are feeling lazy.

Variations: Make it Your Own, Yeah?

Got dietary needs? No worries. Want low fat chicken meatballs ? You can use egg whites instead of a whole egg.

Swap out breadcrumbs for gluten free ones. You know? Feeling seasonal? During the summer, chuck in some finely diced courgette into the mix.

It keeps them moist.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Look, I'm not a nutritionist, but here’s the gist. These easy meatball recipe meatballs are a great source of protein.

Each serving of 4 chicken meatballs has about 250 calories, 30g of protein, and 12g of fat. So, they're a healthier alternative to fried ones.

Oven baked chicken balls are perfect for those watching their waistline.

Honestly, this homemade chicken meatballs recipe is so versatile. Don't be afraid to play around with it. The most important thing is to have fun.

Now get in the kitchen and get cooking! You've got this!

Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs The Ultimate Healthy Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I keep my baked chicken meatballs from being dry? They're always a bit like eating sawdust!

Dry meatballs are a common problem! The key is moisture. Try adding milk to the mixture, as mentioned in the recipe, and avoid overbaking them. Using a meat thermometer is your best bet – pull them out of the oven when they reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure they're cooked through but not dried out. Overbaking is a classic mistake; you want juicy, not jerky!

Can I freeze these baked chicken meatballs for later? I'm all about batch cooking these days!

Absolutely! Baked chicken meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. When you're ready to use them, you can reheat them in the oven, microwave, or simmer them in your favourite sauce. They're perfect for a quick midweek meal – faster than ordering a takeaway!

What's the best way to get that lovely browned look on my baked chicken meatballs? They always look a bit pale.

A pale meatball is a sad meatball! For a lovely golden-brown crust, lightly brush or spray the meatballs with olive oil before baking. For even more color, broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on them so they don't burn. You can also increase the oven temperature slightly for the last few minutes of baking. Think of it as giving them a little sun tan!

I'm trying to eat healthier. How can I make these baked chicken meatballs even better for me?

That's great! To make these even healthier, use lean ground chicken and opt for whole wheat breadcrumbs. You could also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a lower-fat option. Don't be shy about loading up on fresh herbs too! They pack a flavorful punch without adding extra calories. Serving them with a side salad instead of pasta is another way to keep things light.

My meatballs always fall apart when I try to shape them. What am I doing wrong?

Falling-apart meatballs are frustrating! Make sure you're not overmixing the ingredients; this can make the meat tough and crumbly. Also, ensure the breadcrumbs are properly moistened by the egg and milk (if using). You might also try adding an extra egg to bind the mixture together, and chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping can help them hold their form better. It's all about finding the right balance of ingredients.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for these baked meatballs?

You absolutely can use ground turkey instead of ground chicken! The recipe will work just as well. Just be aware that ground turkey can sometimes be a bit drier than ground chicken, so you might want to ensure you have enough moisture in the mixture. Don't be afraid to add an extra splash of milk or a tablespoon of olive oil. Taste test the recipe to find out if the flavour meets your needs!