When you're looking to enhance your dinner game, chicken meatballs can be a versatile and delicious option. You might find yourself intrigued by the Classic Italian Chicken Meatballs, rich with herbs, or perhaps the daring Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs that pack a punch. If you're in the mood for something Mediterranean, those meatballs with feta and sun-dried tomatoes could be just what you need. Each recipe offers unique flavors and easy preparation, but there's more to uncover about how these different styles can fit into your meal plans.
Classic Italian Chicken Meatballs
Classic Italian chicken meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that combines the lean protein of chicken with a medley of Italian herbs and spices. These meatballs can be served on their own, tossed in marinara sauce, or placed in a sub for a hearty sandwich.
With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior, they make for a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for gatherings. Let's plunge into this simple yet delightful recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
During the last few minutes of baking, you can heat the marinara sauce on the stove. Serve the meatballs with the sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, try mixing in different herbs such as basil or thyme, or incorporate finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions into the meatball mixture.
If you prefer a juicier meatball, consider adding a tablespoon of milk or chicken broth to the mixture. These meatballs can also be made ahead of time and frozen, making them a convenient option for busy nights.
Simply bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave, and serve with your favorite pasta or in a sub sandwich for a satisfying meal.
Asian-Style Chicken Meatballs
Asian-style chicken meatballs are a delightful fusion of flavors that brings a taste of the East to your dinner table.
These juicy, tender meatballs are packed with aromatic ingredients like ginger and scallions, making them a delicious option for any meal. Serve them with a sweet and tangy soy-based glaze, over rice, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: sweet chili sauce for dipping
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, green onions, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
If desired, drizzle with additional soy sauce or a sweet chili sauce for extra flavor before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the ground chicken mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the meatballs.
If you prefer a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the mixture.
These meatballs freeze well, so you can prepare a double batch and store them in an airtight container for a quick meal later.
When serving, sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nice crunch and garnish.
Enjoy your Asian-style chicken meatballs as a main dish or a tasty appetizer!
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
If you're looking to add some heat to your dinner table, Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs are the perfect choice. These flavorful meatballs are easy to make, packed with a zesty kick, and can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. They're ideal for game day, family gatherings, or just a cozy night at home. Drizzled with buffalo sauce and served with a side of blue cheese dressing, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- Blue cheese dressing (for serving)
- Celery sticks (for serving)
To make the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
In the last few minutes of baking, brush the buffalo sauce over the meatballs and return them to the oven. Serve hot with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
For an extra kick, feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice tolerance. You can also mix in some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the meatball mixture for added heat.
If you prefer a healthier version, consider baking or air-frying the meatballs instead of frying. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later use—just reheat them in the oven before serving. Enjoy your spicy creation!
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs
Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs are a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs, bursting with flavors inspired by the sun-soaked Mediterranean region.
These tender chicken meatballs are infused with aromatic herbs, tangy feta cheese, and zesty lemon, making them perfect for serving over a bed of pasta, in a wrap, or on their own as an appetizer.
Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, feta cheese, parsley, red onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through.
You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Extra Tips:
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the meatball mixture.
If you prefer a lighter option, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve the Mediterranean chicken meatballs with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
Don't hesitate to freeze any leftovers; they can be reheated easily and still taste delicious!
BBQ Chicken Meatballs
BBQ Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the juicy flavor of chicken with the smoky, sweet taste of barbecue sauce. Perfect as an appetizer for parties or a main dish served with sides, these meatballs are certain to please both kids and adults alike.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these tasty meatballs in no time, making them a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush or spoon half of the BBQ sauce over the meatballs, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, remove the meatballs, baste them with the remaining BBQ sauce, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider mixing some finely chopped herbs, like parsley or cilantro, into the meatball mixture.
You can also experiment with different types of BBQ sauce to find your preferred flavor profile.
If you want to make these meatballs ahead of time, they can be frozen raw or cooked; just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
Additionally, serving these meatballs with toothpicks makes them a fantastic finger food option for gatherings!