Go Back
Chicken Meatball

The Ultimate Chicken Meatball Recipe (Juicy, Tender & Easy Every Time)

These juicy homemade chicken meatballs are tender, flavorful, and easy to make with simple ingredients. Learn the secrets to keeping them moist and preventing them from falling apart, whether you bake, pan-fry, or simmer them in your favorite sauce. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, meal prep, or appetizers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g ground chicken (thigh, or thigh-breast blend)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko, crushed crackers, or torn bread
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 –3 cups marinara or sauce of choice for finishing

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to form a soft panade.
  3. In a large bowl, gently combine ground chicken, panade, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix just until combined — do not overwork.
  4. With slightly wet hands, roll mixture into 1.5-inch (golf ball-sized) meatballs. You should get about 20.
  5. Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each one.. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  6. Warm your sauce in a large skillet or pot. Add the baked meatballs and simmer gently for 10 minutes, spooning sauce over them occasionally.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

Freeze uncooked, shaped meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag once solid — they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes.