Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Meatballs
Introduction
Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Meatballs are a savory, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s as easy to prepare as it is flavorful. Juicy ground chicken is combined with fragrant garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a blend of herbs, then baked for a healthier, fuss-free finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, these meatballs are perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving as a protein-packed party appetizer that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs
This recipe takes classic chicken meatballs to the next level with robust garlic and Parmesan cheese—the perfect pairing for an irresistibly savory bite. Baking instead of frying creates a lighter texture while locking in moisture, so each meatball comes out juicy and tender. Serve them over pasta, in grain bowls, tucked into subs, or as a stand-alone snack for a guaranteed hit.
The Perfect Blend: Making the Meatball Mixture
For the best flavor, combine freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and ground chicken in a mixing bowl. A touch of breadcrumbs and egg bind everything together, while chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness. For a subtle twist, try adding a small pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat, or swap out the parsley for basil if you prefer.
Effortless Baked Meatballs: Tips for Perfection
Arranging your meatballs on a lined baking sheet ensures easy cleanup and even cooking. Lightly brushing or spraying the tops with olive oil before baking delivers a golden finish. Be sure not to overmix the meatball mixture so they stay tender and moist.
Serving Suggestions
Pile your Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Meatballs onto a plate of spaghetti tossed with olive oil, tomato sauce, or freshly wilted greens. They’re also delicious tucked into soft hoagie rolls with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of garlic butter. Or, serve them alongside a leafy salad for a lighter, protein-rich meal.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 20 meatballs, enough for 4 servings. Each serving contains about 220 calories, making it a lighter yet satisfying option for dinner or meal prep.
The Takeaway: Garlic Parmesan Magic
Baked chicken meatballs infused with garlic and Parmesan boast big flavor, light texture, and endless versatility. These are sure to become a repeat favorite for easy, comforting dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, parsley, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the mixture.
- With damp hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and arrange evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Let cool for a couple of minutes, then serve warm with extra Parmesan, if desired.
Weekly Meal Planning
These Garlic Parmesan Baked Chicken Meatballs are perfect for meal prep and batch cooking. Schedule this recipe in your weekly meal plan to see which days to prepare it and generate a consolidated shopping list for the week.
Planning Benefits:
– CookifyAI calculates exactly how much of each ingredient you’ll need for all your planned recipes
– Ingredients are automatically sorted by grocery category for efficient shopping
– Combines overlapping items so you never miss or double-buy anything
– Makes meal prep streamlined, reducing stress and food waste
Pro tip: Meal plan several recipes at once and let CookifyAI organize your week—perfect for making the most of your time and budget.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes