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Juicy Chicken Meatballs – Easy, Flavorful & Healthy

These homemade chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers. Serve them with pasta, rice, or dip them in your favorite sauce for a healthy and delicious family meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine Global Fusion (Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, American)
Servings 4 (makes 18–20 meatballs)
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Cookie scoop or spoon
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • Skillet (optional)
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater or food processor

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or almond meal
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup grated onion or zucchini
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: herbs/spices (e.g., oregano, parsley, paprika)

Instructions
 

  • Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasonings. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Shape Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form 1–1½ inch balls. Roll lightly for smooth shape.
  • Cook:
    Bake: Place on parchment-lined sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
    Air Fry: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
    Pan-Fry: Brown in skillet with oil over medium heat, turning until cooked through.
  • Optional Sauce Finish: Simmer cooked meatballs in marinara, sesame glaze, buffalo sauce, or lemon-garlic sauce for 5–10 minutes.
  • Serve: Over rice, pasta, noodles, or in wraps and salads.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated onion or zucchini for moisture.
  • Don’t overmix—keeps texture light and tender.
  • Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or oats for gluten-free version.
  • Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
  • Flavor variations: Italian (Parmesan, oregano), Asian (soy, ginger), Mediterranean (feta, dill), Spicy (jalapeños, buffalo sauce).
  • Use a cookie scoop for even sizing and faster prep.
Keyword air fryer, baked meatballs, chicken meatballs, gluten-free option, lean protein, meal prep