30 Minute Baked Chicken Meatballs

Whip up this simple dinner in just 30 minutes with these Baked Chicken Meatballs! Quick to prep and even quicker to disappear from the plate, they’re the perfect addition to elevate any meal! 

As an experienced home chef, I love experimenting with ways to give dinner that tasty edge while still making it easy to cook. These chicken meatballs contain a splash of apple cider vinegar, which gives them a slightly tangy kick that rounds out all the flavors. And unlike cooking meatballs on the stovetop, they can be made in large batches when placed on a sheet pan and popped into the oven. This makes them easier to freeze and save leftovers for meal prep! 

And making them is a breeze! Add all the ingredients together in a bowl, mix until combined, and shape them into little round meatballs that are ready to bake in no time. Pair them with a zesty marinara dip for a snack as an appetizer, or slide them over spaghetti for a classic meal. They can even be nestled inside a roll for a hearty sub sandwich. Whatever the occasion, meatballs made with ground chicken have you covered!

If you enjoyed these meatballs, you’ll also love making my Turkey Meatloaf Meatballs, and Slow Cooker Meatballs with Grape Jelly! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Oven-baked simplicity: No need for constant stovetop monitoring; just set, bake, and enjoy.
• Serve them as appetizers main dishes, or pop them into lunchboxes for a tasty treat.
• A touch of apple cider vinegar keeps the meatballs tender, adding a tangy depth of flavor that sets them apart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Chicken – Forms the base of these meatballs, ensuring they’re hearty and filling.
• Egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together during baking.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Gives the meatballs a light, airy texture while binding and absorbing moisture.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese – Introduces a rich, savory depth to the meatballs, enhancing their overall flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Imparts a subtle tanginess, ensuring the meatballs remain juicy and have a unique flavor edge.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a complex umami flavor, enriching the taste profile of the meatballs.
• Olive Oil – Helps to give a golden-brown exterior when baked.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic, oregano) – A perfect blend to elevate the flavor, ensuring each bite is seasoned to perfection.

How To Make Chicken Meatballs In The Oven

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Form the chicken meatballs: Add the ground chicken to a large mixing bowl, followed by the seasonings and other ingredients. Using a fork or clean hands, mix until ingredients are well combined without overworking. 

Shape the meatballs: Scoop about a tablespoon size of the mixture, roll into a ball, and place on the sheet pan. This recipe will make about 30 meatballs, depending on the size you make. These meatballs are smaller in size.

Bake and serve: Bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly golden and cooked through. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, rice, or with veggies. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• If you have time, chill the formed meatballs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps them hold their shape and further develops their flavor.
• Using a cookie scoop ensures that each meatball is of consistent size, guaranteeing even cooking throughout the batch.
• If you prefer using fresh herbs, remember the general rule: use three times the amount of fresh as you would dry.
• When combining the ingredients, mix just until they’re incorporated; overmixing can lead to dense meatballs.
• Using parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents the meatballs from sticking to the pan.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the safe minimum for chicken.
• If your mixture feels too wet, add a bit more panko; if too dry, a splash of olive oil can help.

Variations

• Ground beef or turkey can be easily used in place of chicken.
• For a gluten-free version, swap out the panko breadcrumbs with almond meal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Swap the parmesan for pecorino romano or aged asiago for a twist on the cheese flavor.
• Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter, robust tanginess in the meatballs.
• Substitute the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce and add a touch of ginger and scallions for an Asian-inspired flavor.
• Introduce a kick with some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the mix for those who prefer their meatballs with a hint of heat.
• Finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini can be mixed into the meatball blend, adding nutrition and a pleasant touch of greenery.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: After allowing the baked chicken meatballs to cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

Freezing: To freeze the meatballs, place them individually on a baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or bake/reheat them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand?

You can replace apple cider vinegar with another type of vinegar, like white wine vinegar or even balsamic, although it might slightly alter the flavor profile. Lemon juice can also work as a substitute, giving a fresh, tangy kick.

How can I ensure my meatballs are a uniform size?

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon measure can help ensure consistent sizing. Consistency in size helps in even cooking, ensuring all meatballs are ready at the same time.

How do you keep chicken meatballs from falling apart?

To keep chicken meatballs from falling apart, use a binding agent like breadcrumbs and egg in the mixture, which helps hold the ingredients together. Avoiding overmixing and chilling the formed meatballs before baking can ensure they maintain their shape during cooking.

More 30 Minute Chicken Dinner Ideas

• 30 Minute BBQ Baked Chicken Meatballs
• 30 Minute Chicken Parmesan
• 30 Minute Chicken Picatta
• 30 Minute Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

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