Description

These baked garlic parmesan chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With a crispy exterior and tender interior, they are a perfect weeknight dinner or appetizer that requires zero grease splatter.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs ground chicken (93/7 fat content recommended)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh herbs (parsley and basil), finely chopped
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes to form a panade.
Add the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped herbs, egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Gently mix the ingredients by hand until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Lightly spray the tops with olive oil or cooking spray.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For uniform cooking, use a scoop to portion the meatballs. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs per serv
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 450
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 22

Keywords: chicken meatballs, baked meatballs, garlic parmesan, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe, meal prep, gluten-free option