Delicious & Easy Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs: The Perfect Appetizer or Dinner!

Indulge in these tender, baked Italian chicken meatballs, generously coated in savory marinara sauce. Ideal as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying family dinner, they are incredibly versatile and can even be prepared in advance and frozen for ultimate convenience.

Meatballs hold a special place in the hearts of many, and I’m definitely one of their biggest fans! There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about a perfectly seasoned, juicy meatball. While classic beef and pork meatballs are always a hit, these Italian chicken meatballs offer a lighter, yet equally flavorful alternative that’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. They’re incredibly easy to make and bake up beautifully, ensuring a moist and tender result every time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.

I’ve previously shared my love for Instant Pot Meatballs, which consistently yield incredibly tender and juicy results. While this recipe specifically details a baked method, you could certainly adapt the Instant Pot technique if you prefer, ensuring these chicken meatballs are just as succulent. Meatballs are wonderfully versatile; they shine as a classic appetizer, are a timeless pairing with pasta, and can even be transformed into hearty Meatball Subs. This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for all these delightful meal ideas and more.

Perfectly baked Italian chicken meatballs ready to be served.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Chicken Meatballs

There are countless reasons to adore these homemade Italian chicken meatballs. They are:

**Light & Flavorful:** Ground chicken provides a leaner option without sacrificing any of the rich Italian flavors we all love.
**Easy to Make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
**Versatile:** Perfect for appetizers, main courses, sandwiches, or even meal prep.
**Freezer-Friendly:** Make a big batch and freeze for quick and easy meals on busy weeknights.
**Baked, Not Fried:** A healthier cooking method that still delivers tender, juicy meatballs.
**Kid-Friendly:** A delicious and approachable dish that usually gets two thumbs up from even the pickiest eaters.

Essential Ingredients for Italian Chicken Meatballs

Crafting the perfect Italian chicken meatball starts with a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust flavor profile and ensuring a tender texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

Ground Chicken: We opt for ground chicken for a lighter, healthier meatball. You can use ground chicken breast for the leanest option or a mix of dark and white meat for a bit more moisture and flavor. Look for fresh, high-quality ground chicken from your local butcher or grocery store.
Italian Breadcrumbs: These are essential for binding the meatballs and adding a foundational layer of Italian herbs and seasoning. If you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and increase the amount of Italian seasoning. For an even richer flavor, consider using panko breadcrumbs for a slightly crispier texture, or making your own from stale Italian bread.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty, umami depth to the meatballs, complementing the herbs and garlic beautifully. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to authentic Italian flavor. Minced or grated garlic will distribute evenly throughout the meatball mixture. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is always recommended for the best taste.
Egg: A single large egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together so they don’t crumble during baking. Lightly beating the egg ensures it incorporates smoothly into the mixture.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs (typically oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram) is the heart of the Italian flavor. Check your spice rack to ensure it’s fresh for maximum potency. You can also customize by adding a pinch more of your favorite individual Italian herbs.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your personal preference, tasting a small cooked piece of the mixture (if desired) before forming all the meatballs.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a subtle hint of heat that elevates the entire dish, red pepper flakes are a fantastic addition. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount or omit them entirely. For more kick, feel free to add a bit more!
Marinara Sauce: The perfect companion to these tender meatballs. A good quality marinara sauce will tie all the flavors together. You can use your favorite store-bought brand for convenience, or whip up a batch of homemade marinara if you have the time. I like to warm the sauce separately and then gently toss the cooked meatballs in it.

I find that these baked chicken meatballs are exceptionally delicious when tossed with a rich marinara sauce and kept warm in a crockpot for gatherings. The slow cooking in the sauce allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making them even more tender and infused with Italian goodness. However, they are equally fantastic served immediately for dinner, simply warmed through with your favorite sauce.

Freshly baked Italian chicken meatballs, ready to soak up that delicious marinara sauce.

Step-by-Step: How To Make Italian Chicken Meatballs

Making these flavorful Italian chicken meatballs is a straightforward process, resulting in tender, juicy spheres of deliciousness. Follow these simple steps to bring this delightful dish to your table:

Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, grated garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten egg. It’s crucial to leave out the marinara sauce at this stage, as it will be used for serving later.
Mix Gently: Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. The goal is to incorporate everything evenly without compacting the meat too much.
Form the Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into golf-ball sized meatballs. Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking. If the mixture is a bit sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water. Place the formed meatballs on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked through and golden brown on the outside. A meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball should read 165° F (74° C).
Sauce and Serve: Once baked, your Italian chicken meatballs are ready! You can add them directly to a crockpot or large stockpot filled with warm marinara sauce. This helps keep them warm and infuses them with even more flavor. Serve immediately or keep warm until ready to enjoy. The warm sauce is not only delicious but also prevents the meatballs from drying out.

Creative Ways To Serve Chicken Meatballs

These Italian chicken meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Beyond the classic pasta pairing, here are some imaginative ways to serve them:

Party Appetizer: For a delightful party snack, simply place the meatballs in a crockpot with warm marinara sauce and provide toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re always a hit!
Hearty Sandwiches: Load them onto toasted hot dog buns or sub rolls with extra marinara and melted provolone or mozzarella cheese for delicious Meatball Subs.
Classic Pasta Dinner: The ultimate comfort food! Serve them over your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine) with a generous helping of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan.
Meatball Pizza: Turn your dinner into a fun and unique dish by transforming these into Spaghetti & Meatball Pizza.
With Creamy Polenta or Risotto: For an elevated meal, serve the meatballs alongside creamy polenta or a rich Parmesan risotto. The textures and flavors complement each other beautifully.
On Skewers with Veggies: For a lighter, grilled option, thread cooked meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, then lightly grill or broil until vegetables are tender.
In a Salad Bowl: Add cooled, sliced meatballs to a hearty Italian-inspired salad with mixed greens, olives, roasted red peppers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Meatball & Veggie Bowl: Serve with steamed rice or quinoa, roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, and a drizzle of the marinara sauce for a balanced and wholesome meal.

A close-up of our irresistible Italian chicken meatballs, ready to be enjoyed.

Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions

One of the best qualities of these Italian chicken meatballs is how wonderfully they lend themselves to make-ahead preparation and freezing. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

To Make Ahead and Refrigerate:

You can mix the meatball ingredients and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Place the unbaked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from very cold.

To Freeze Baked Meatballs:

Cool Completely: After baking, allow the meatballs to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Flash Freeze (Optional but Recommended): For best results, place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for 1-2 hours until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Store: Transfer the flash-frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe plastic bag or an airtight container. Label with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.

To Reheat Frozen Baked Meatballs:

There are a few convenient ways to reheat your frozen meatballs:

In Sauce in a Crockpot: Place frozen meatballs directly into a crockpot with your favorite marinara sauce. Cook on low for 2-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This method keeps them incredibly moist and flavorful.
In the Oven: You can bake partially thawed or even fully frozen meatballs in a 350º F (175° C) oven. Place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed. If they are already in sauce, bake covered until bubbly and heated through.
On the Stovetop: Add frozen meatballs directly to a pot of simmering marinara sauce on the stovetop. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Delicious Recipe Variations

Meatballs are incredibly versatile, and the flavor possibilities are endless! While our Italian chicken meatballs are fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to get creative with flavor profiles and sauces to suit your cravings.

Make Barbecue Chicken Meatballs: For a sweet and tangy twist, simply eliminate the Italian seasoning called for in the recipe and use plain breadcrumbs. After baking, toss the meatballs generously with your favorite barbecue sauce until well coated. Serve them as an appetizer or over rice.
Craving Asian Flavors? These Asian Chicken Meatballs offer a wonderfully different experience with a delicious peanut sauce. You can adapt the base chicken meatball recipe by replacing Italian seasoning with ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of soy sauce, then toss with your preferred Asian glaze.
Skip the Marinara Sauce: While marinara is classic, you don’t have to stick to it! Serve these baked chicken meatballs with a variety of other delicious dipping sauces. Try a creamy alfredo sauce, a vibrant pesto, a zesty lemon-herb sauce, or even a unique Canes Sauce for dipping.
Turn These into Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: If you love a spicy kick, this variation is for you! Use plain breadcrumbs and skip the Italian seasoning. Instead, mix in 1 teaspoon of celery salt and a packet of ranch dressing mix with the chicken. After the meatballs are baked, toss them generously with your favorite buffalo sauce. Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs: For a fresh, bright flavor, swap Italian seasoning for a blend of dried dill, oregano, and lemon zest. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light lemon-garlic sauce.
Spicy Southwest Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of chili powder, a pinch of cumin, and finely diced jalapeño to the mixture. Serve with a spicy salsa or a creamy avocado dip.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: For an extra surprise, press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball before rolling. This creates a gooey, cheesy core when baked!

close up meatballs in red sauce on a white plate — A close-up shot of juicy Italian chicken meatballs simmering in rich marinara sauce.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs Every Time

Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful chicken meatballs is simple with a few key techniques. Keep these tips in mind for consistently delicious results:

Don’t Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any meatball recipe. Overmixing the ground chicken will lead to tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Your hands are often the best tools for this, allowing you to feel the texture.
Keep Your Hands Damp: If the meatball mixture is sticky, moisten your hands with a little water before rolling each meatball. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and helps create smoother, more uniform shapes.
Uniform Size: Try to make all your meatballs roughly the same size (golf ball-sized is ideal for this recipe). This ensures they cook evenly. If some are significantly larger or smaller, they will cook at different rates, leading to some being undercooked or overcooked.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference in flavor. While dried spices are fine, ensure your Italian seasoning isn’t too old, as spices lose potency over time.
Taste Test (Optional): If you’re unsure about the seasoning, cook a tiny piece of the mixture in a skillet before forming all the meatballs. Taste it and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
Baking vs. Frying: Baking is a healthier and less messy alternative to frying. It also helps the meatballs retain their moisture better. If you prefer to sear them for extra browning, you can lightly brown them in a skillet after forming and before baking.
Internal Temperature: For food safety, ensure chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165° F (74° C). A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: When baking, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Overcrowding can steam the meatballs instead of browning them, affecting texture.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes to Explore

If you loved these Italian chicken meatballs, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of easy and delicious appetizer recipes perfect for any gathering, party, or even just a cozy night in. Expand your culinary repertoire with these crowd-pleasing options:

Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
Baked Mexican Cheese Dip
Avocado Bruschetta
Cheesy Corn Dip
Chili Cheese Dip
French Dip Sliders
Baked Goat Cheese Dip
Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups

5 from 3 votes

Italian Chicken Meatballs Recipe

By

Erin Sellin

Tender Italian chicken meatballs baked to perfection, then coated in a rich marinara sauce. A versatile dish perfect for appetizers, pasta, or sandwiches.

Prep:

10 minutes

Cook:

15 minutes

Total:

25 minutes

Servings:
12

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Ingredients

▢

1
pound

ground chicken
▢

1
teaspoon

Italian seasoning
▢

1/2
teaspoon

black pepper
▢

1/2
teaspoon

salt
▢

1/2
teaspoon

red pepper flakes
▢

4
cloves

garlic
, grated
▢

1
cup
Italian bread crumbs
▢

1/3
cup

grated Parmesan cheese
▢

1

egg
, lightly beaten
▢

Marinara Sauce
(for serving)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350º F (175° C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, grated garlic, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Shape the mixture into golf-ball sized meatballs. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165° F (74° C).
While the meatballs are baking, warm your favorite marinara sauce in a crockpot or large pot on the stovetop.
Once baked, gently add the cooked meatballs to the warmed marinara sauce. Toss to coat and set the crockpot to “warm” or keep on low heat on the stovetop until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Course:
Appetizer Recipes, Main Course

Cuisine:
Italian-American

Servings:
12

Calories:
135

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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