Dinner

Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe

ByIsabella Vance November 29, 2025November 29, 2025

Introduction

These easy baked chicken meatballs are a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional beef versions. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, they make a great appetizer or main dish for any weeknight dinner.

The image shows several small, round golden-brown baked meatballs with a slightly crispy texture and small bits of herbs and seasoning visible on the surface. They are placed on a black metal spatula with one meatball in focus on the spatula, and others scattered around on a white marbled surface with some green herb sprinkles. The meatballs have a warm, appetizing look with an uneven, crumbly texture and light browning on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
3/4 cup plain bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan or an 11×17-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Add milk, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and egg to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to make them all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Step 5: Place the meatballs on the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For extra crispiness, bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For added moisture, you can substitute half the milk with plain yogurt or buttermilk.
Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
Serve with your favorite marinara sauce or toss the meatballs in barbecue sauce for a different flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of pasta and meatballs served on a white plate. There are several large, golden-brown meatballs, with a textured and slightly crispy outside, scattered among thick, flat yellow pasta noodles. The pasta is coated lightly with what looks like a creamy sauce and sprinkled with small green herb pieces. There are also black pepper flakes visible on the noodles and meatballs. A fork with a dark wooden handle lifts some pasta from the plate, adding a sense of movement to the dish. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with this recipe. Cooking times and temperature remain the same.

How can I make the meatballs more tender?

Adding a bit more liquid like milk or including a small amount of grated onion can help keep meatballs moist and tender. Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent them from becoming dense.