Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Marinara sauce for serving - Extra cheese for serving When making Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs, you need fresh, simple ingredients. Ground chicken forms the base. It is lean and tender, making it perfect for meatballs. Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture, giving it texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory taste. Fresh herbs make a big difference. I love using parsley and basil for their bright flavors. Next, you need seasonings to enhance the taste. Garlic brings a strong, aromatic flavor that everyone loves. Onion powder adds depth, while dried oregano gives a warm, earthy note. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This gives your meatballs a nice kick. For serving, consider marinara sauce. It pairs well with the meatballs and adds a lovely sauce. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top. This makes the dish even more delicious. With these ingredients, you will create a simple and flavorful dish that impresses everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large bowl, combine: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 egg, beaten Mix these ingredients well. Use your hands to blend them. This helps the flavors mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - While the oil heats, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. - Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook them in batches. - Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Turn them often to brown all sides. - Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). - When cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet. Let them drain on a paper towel. - Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce, or enjoy them plain. They make a tasty snack or appetizer. To make the best meatballs, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Overmixing can cause the meatballs to become tough. Mix just until everything is combined. Choosing the right fat content is also key. Ground chicken is lean, so adding breadcrumbs and cheese keeps the meatballs moist. This helps create a tender bite you will love. Pair your meatballs with marinara sauce for a classic touch. The rich sauce adds flavor and moisture. You can also serve them on toothpicks for easy snacking at parties. Try them in a sub sandwich with melted cheese. This makes a tasty meal or snack everyone will enjoy. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Meatballs should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. This ensures they are cooked through and juicy. Adjust your cooking time based on the size of your meatballs. Smaller ones cook faster, while larger ones may take longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried herbs. Don't Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender and avoid a tough texture. Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning of the meatballs. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, you can use ground turkey or beef. This adds a new flavor while keeping the dish light. Use ground turkey for a leaner option or beef for a richer taste. For a gluten-free choice, try gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well and keep the meatballs tasty. You can also use crushed oats or ground nuts as a substitute. Both options add texture without the gluten. To make these meatballs even better, consider adding cheese to the mix. Grated mozzarella or cheddar can add a creamy touch. It melts in the meatballs, making every bite delightful. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a woodsy flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice kick. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. These meatballs are great in pasta dishes. Toss them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a hearty meal. You can also make meatball subs. Just place the meatballs in a toasted bun, add sauce, and sprinkle cheese on top. It’s a fun, easy meal that everyone will love! After making garlic herb chicken meatballs, let them cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. When you want to eat them, reheat in a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water to keep them moist. Heat until warm throughout. You can freeze meatballs before or after cooking. To freeze, place cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. You can also cook them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For easy meals, prepare meatballs in advance. Make a big batch and store them in portions. Use clear containers to see what’s inside. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. You can also pre-cook them and store in the fridge. This way, you will have a quick meal ready to go! To check if your chicken meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for ground chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball. If it reads 165°F, they are ready. You can also look for visual cues. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside. When you cut one open, the inside should be white and no longer pink. If it looks clear, they are cooked through. Yes, you can bake these meatballs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced out evenly. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. Turn them halfway through for even cooking. These meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with pasta and marinara. A fresh salad or roasted vegetables also works great. You might enjoy them with a dipping sauce too. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. A garlic aioli or yogurt dip can add a nice twist. In this post, we explored how to make garlic herb chicken meatballs. We covered key ingredients, essential steps, and tips for perfect texture. Remember to keep meatballs moist by not overmixing. You can serve them with marinara or try them in subs. Don’t forget about storage tips for leftovers and meal prep. With these ideas, you can enjoy delicious meatballs any day. Experiment with variations to suit your taste, and have fun in the kitchen!$

Delicious and flavorful chicken meatballs infused with garlic and herbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
0.25 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 egg beaten
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
optional Marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped basil, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and the beaten egg.
Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, and use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Preheat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
While the oil is heating, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
Once the oil is hot, gently place the meatballs into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Ensure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them drain on a paper towel.
Serve the meatballs drizzled with marinara sauce if desired, or enjoy them on their own as a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to avoid toughness.

Keyword chicken, garlic, herbs, meatballs