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Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs
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Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with traditional Italian herbs and flavors while remaining lean and healthy. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients, bakes the meatballs instead of frying them for a lighter meal, and is perfect for appetizers, main courses, or snacks. Suitable for families and adaptable to dietary preferences, these meatballs deliver comforting taste and texture everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onion
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Optional

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing before baking)
  • Red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for spicy variation)
  • Shredded mozzarella or Pecorino Romano (for cheese lovers)
  • Flax or chia egg substitute (for egg-free option)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely diced onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Portion the mixture into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches wide using your hands or a small scoop. Place the formed meatballs spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure even baking.
  3. Prepare to Bake: If desired, lightly brush each meatball with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crisp exterior. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) during this step.
  4. Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through: Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through baking for uniform cooking. Meatballs are done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let meatballs rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Serve with your favorite sauce or side dishes.

Notes

  • Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender instead of dense.
  • Uniform Size Matters: Use a scoop or measuring tool to ensure even cooking.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and garlic enhance brightness and flavor.
  • Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, moist meatballs.
  • Don’t Skip the Rest: Let meatballs rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, easy chicken recipe, party appetizers, lean protein

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/baked-italian-chicken-meatballs/