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Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs
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These Easy Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs are a healthy, light, and flavorful dish featuring lean ground chicken combined with classic Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked for a juicy and tender texture, they make an ideal quick dinner, meal prep option, or kid-approved family favorite without sacrificing any authentic Italian taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs/almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced (or substitute fresh basil or oregano)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Small cubes of mozzarella cheese (for melty centers)
  • Olive oil, for drizzling before baking
  • Red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili (for a spicy twist)
  • Finely grated zucchini or carrot (for added moisture and nutrients)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Crack in the egg and gently mix everything with your hands or a sturdy spoon until just combined, being careful not to over-mix to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using a tablespoon or your hands, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If desired, stuff a small cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before rolling it closed for a cheesy center.
  3. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the meatballs evenly spaced apart to ensure even baking and browning on all sides.
  4. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Bake: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to encourage browning. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on top. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, let the meatballs rest for a couple of minutes to lock in the juices. Serve with your favorite sauce or side dish.

Notes

  • Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent dense meatballs.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform size ensuring even cooking.
  • Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer to ensure juiciness and doneness.
  • Allow meatballs to rest briefly after baking for better moisture and flavor integration.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil to boost vibrant flavors over dried spices.
  • For gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
  • Adding grated zucchini or cheese inside can help keep meatballs moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, Italian chicken meatballs, healthy meatballs, gluten free meatballs, easy chicken recipe, kid-friendly meatballs, meal prep meatballs

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