chicken meatballs
These chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal. Whether baked or pan-fried, they’re a great choice for dinner, meal prep, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the Oven (if baking):
- If you’re baking your meatballs, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures they cook evenly and get that nice golden-brown crust.
Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs:
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This size ensures they cook through evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or set them aside if you plan to pan-fry.
Cook the Meatballs:
- For baking: Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- For pan-frying: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Check for Doneness:
- To make sure your chicken meatballs are cooked through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half to check for any pinkness in the center.