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Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs No Breadcrumbs: Easy & Healthy

juicy baked chicken meatballs no breadcrumbs - featured image

These breadcrumb-free chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor without the starchy filler. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, they rely on simple ingredients like ground chicken, egg, and cream for a moist texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground chicken (blend of dark and white meat recommended)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup (25g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced very fine
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream (or yogurt) until fully combined.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the meat and mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Do not overwork the meat.
  5. Using a cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll gently between palms to form 1.5-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet with space between them.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned.
  7. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the meatballs rest on the pan for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough texture. Keep ingredients cold until baking. If using turkey, add extra fat like oil or yogurt. For dairy-free, swap parmesan for nutritional yeast and cream for olive oil. These freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, no breadcrumbs, healthy dinner, low carb, keto friendly, meal prep, easy recipe, baked chicken