Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence, minced garlic, onion powder, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mixing by hand ensures all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape Meatballs: Scoop mounds of the chicken mixture into your hands and gently roll them between your palms to form round balls. Aim for uniform size for even cooking. Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow proper browning.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the outside turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed plain as a protein-packed snack or served alongside pasta, in sandwiches, or with your favorite sauce or entree.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fresh and not too lean to keep the meatballs moist.
- Using panko breadcrumbs helps keep the meatballs light and tender.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- If you don’t have Italian seasoning, Herbs de Provence or Italian herb blend are excellent substitutes.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
