Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are unbelievably juicy, packed with savory flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Forget dry, bland chicken meatballs; this recipe guarantees tender, mouthwatering results every single time. They are perfect as a hearty main course, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a delicious addition to your meal prep routine.
We’ve perfected the blend of savory garlic, sharp Parmesan, and fresh herbs to create a truly irresistible meatball. They bake to a perfect golden-brown, locking in all the moisture and flavor. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients can come together to create something so delicious.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both incredibly tasty and simple to prepare, you’ve found it. These meatballs are a guaranteed family favorite.
Unbelievably Juicy: We use a specific ratio of ingredients to ensure these meatballs are tender and moist, never dry.
Packed with Flavor: Every bite is loaded with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs for a classic, savory taste.
Incredibly Versatile: Serve them with pasta, on a sub, with zucchini noodles, or on their own as a fantastic appetizer.
Perfect for Meal Prep: They store and reheat beautifully, making them a great option for healthy lunches and quick dinners throughout the week. Check out our other high-protein, low-carb meal ideas for more inspiration.
The Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use a handful of quality ingredients to create maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Chicken Meatballs
Ground Chicken: The star of the show. We recommend using 93/7 ground chicken for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and most intense flavor. Avoid the pre-shredded kind if possible.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs while keeping them light and tender.
Egg: A crucial binder that holds everything together.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that signature aromatic flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color that brightens up the savory flavors.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Onion Powder: Provides a subtle, savory base note.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Step-by-Step
Making these baked chicken meatballs is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps for perfect results.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix Gently: Using your hands or a spatula, mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just enough so that everything is evenly distributed.
Portion and Roll: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls, which should yield about 20-22 meatballs. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Perfect for dipping! Serve these meatballs with your favorite sauce for an amazing meal.
For another incredibly easy and flavorful chicken dish, you have to try this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Veggies. It’s a complete meal with minimal cleanup!
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Chicken Meatballs
Follow these simple tips to take your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs from great to absolutely spectacular.
Don’t Overmix: This is the most important rule for tender meatballs. Mix the ingredients until just combined to prevent the protein from becoming tough.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniformly sized meatballs that cook evenly, use a medium cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
Wet Your Hands: Lightly dampen your hands with water before rolling the meatballs. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes for a smoother meatball.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give your meatballs some space on the baking sheet to ensure they brown nicely instead of steaming.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
These garlic parmesan chicken meatballs are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right sides. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve them.
Look at that perfect golden-brown crust! These meatballs are as juicy as they look.
With Pasta: Toss them with your favorite marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti for a classic Italian-American meal.
As an Appetizer: Serve them warm on a platter with a side of marinara or a creamy garlic dip for the perfect party snack.
In a Sub: Pile them into a toasted hoagie roll, top with marinara and melted mozzarella for a delicious meatball sub.
Low-Carb Options: For a healthier meal, serve them over zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or with a side of steamed vegetables. This makes a great low-carb chicken dinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These meatballs are perfect for making ahead of time. Store them properly, and you can enjoy them for days.
Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: To freeze, let the cooked meatballs cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the microwave, on the stovetop in a bit of sauce, or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the Panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, in a sauce on the stovetop, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
For food safety, chicken meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball to check for doneness.
Yes, they freeze wonderfully. Allow the cooked meatballs to cool completely, then flash-freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
These meatballs are very versatile. Serve them over spaghetti with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or on their own as an appetizer with a dipping sauce.
The Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs
This recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs is a true keeper. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet delicious enough to serve to guests. The combination of juicy chicken, savory garlic, and rich Parmesan creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them as a main course, an appetizer, or part of your weekly meal prep, they are sure to be a hit. We’re confident this will become one of your go-to recipes.
FL Recipes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs (The Juiciest Recipe!)
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are incredibly juicy, packed with savory flavor, and easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, appetizer, or meal prep, this recipe guarantees tender, mouthwatering results every time.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, Panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Using your hands or a spatula, mix the ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls (about 20-22 meatballs) and place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and golden brown.
Nutrition
Calories: 35kcalProtein: 4gFat: 2g
Notes
Tip 1: For extra flavor, you can briefly broil the meatballs for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to get a deeper golden-brown color on top. Tip 2: Don't use lean ground chicken breast, as the higher fat content in 93/7 ground chicken is essential for keeping the meatballs moist and juicy.
If you make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire us every day. We can’t wait to see how you enjoy them!
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Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
