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Chicken Meatball Recipe

  • Author: The Prestons
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 20-24 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken (preferably a mix of breast and thigh)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated onion (for extra moisture)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup milk (optional, for added tenderness)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Cooking:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying) or non-stick spray (for baking)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, grated onion, garlic, parsley, and seasonings.
  2. Add a splash of milk for extra moisture if desired.
  3. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

  1. Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
  2. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.

3. Cooking Methods:

To Bake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Lightly brush with olive oil.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

To Pan-Fry:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

To Air-Fry:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange meatballs in a single layer in the basket.
  3. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Notes

For juicier meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat. You can also add a bit of grated zucchini or ricotta cheese to boost moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, bake or air-fry instead of pan-frying. These meatballs freeze well—just store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat as needed.