When dinner needs to be both hearty and hassle-free, these Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs come to the rescue. Juicy, oven-baked, and packed with bold Italian flavor, they strike the perfect balance between comfort food and smart eating. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or pulling together a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers real flavor with minimal cleanup. Serve them over pasta, tuck them into subs, or enjoy them straight from the pan—they’re that good.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs
All the flavor, less fat – Made with lean ground chicken, these meatballs are lighter than traditional beef versions but still rich and satisfying.
Oven-baked simplicity – Skip the stovetop splatter. Just shape, bake, and you’re done.
Big Italian flavor – With garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and a hint of heat, these meatballs taste like they came straight from Nonna’s kitchen.
Perfect for meal prep – Make a batch and you’ve got protein ready for lunches, bowls, or quick dinners all week.
Customizable – Serve with marinara, pesto, or even buffalo sauce depending on your mood. They play well with just about anything.
Ingredients for Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to culinary success. For these Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs, you’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry staples that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground chicken: The star of the show! It’s lean, flavorful, and perfect for meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: These add texture and help bind the meatballs. You can use regular or gluten-free options.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a nutty, salty flavor that elevates the dish.
Chopped fresh parsley: This bright herb adds freshness and a pop of color.
Chopped onion: For sweetness and depth, finely chopped onion is a must.
Minced garlic: Because who doesn’t love the aroma of garlic? It brings a savory punch.
Large egg: This acts as a binder, helping the meatballs hold their shape.
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds warmth and earthiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, these enhance all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, these add a nice kick.
Marinara sauce: The perfect partner for your meatballs, it adds moisture and flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This melty goodness on top is what dreams are made of!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! Adding chopped spinach or bell peppers can boost the nutrition and flavor even more.
How to Make Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs
Creating Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs is a straightforward process that anyone can master. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time. Let’s break it down step by step!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This is crucial because it ensures your meatballs cook evenly and develop that lovely golden-brown crust. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the meatballs from sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all your ingredients: ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Use your hands to mix everything together. Don’t overmix, though! Just combine until everything is evenly distributed. This keeps your meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part! With clean hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. If the mixture feels too sticky, a little water on your hands can help. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside. A meat thermometer should read 165°F in the center. This ensures they’re safe to eat and perfectly juicy!
Step 5: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, heat your marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. This step is simple but essential, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, it’ll be warm and ready when the meatballs are done!
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Once the meatballs are out of the oven, carefully transfer them into the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat each meatball in that rich, flavorful sauce. This step is where the magic happens, as the meatballs soak up all that deliciousness.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Serve
Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and cover the saucepan. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Serve your Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs warm, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley if you like. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
Use fresh herbs for a vibrant flavor boost.
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Wet your hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking.
Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F.
Let the meatballs rest in the sauce for extra flavor absorption.
Equipment Needed
Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a rimmed one prevents spills.
Parchment paper: Use aluminum foil if you don’t have parchment.
Large mixing bowl: Any bowl will do, but a sturdy one is best.
Meat thermometer: Essential for checking doneness; a regular thermometer can work too.
Saucepan: A medium-sized pot is perfect for heating marinara.
Variations
Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of meat for a hearty plant-based alternative.
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for extra heat.
Cheesy Surprise: Insert a small cube of mozzarella in the center of each meatball for a gooey surprise.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pasta: Serve your meatballs over spaghetti or penne for a classic Italian meal.
Garlic Bread: Pair with warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting touch.
Salad: A fresh green salad balances the richness of the meatballs.
Wine: Enjoy with a glass of red wine, like Chianti, to enhance the flavors.
Presentation: Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautiful finish.
FAQs about Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will still yield delicious Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs, just with a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them later. Just reheat in the oven or microwave!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just form and bake them when you’re ready to serve. This makes dinner prep a breeze!
What can I serve with Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for a fun party snack!
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, they can be! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
Final Thoughts
Cooking these Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment of joy. The blend of flavors, the warmth of the kitchen, and the smiles around the table make it all worthwhile. Each bite is a reminder of family gatherings and shared laughter. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or serving them at a gathering, these meatballs bring people together. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and savor the deliciousness. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be asking for more!
A delicious and easy recipe for Italian Baked Chicken Meatballs, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and cover the saucepan. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Add chopped spinach or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for extra veggies and flavor.
