Garlic herbed chicken meatballs are a savory and delicious twist on the classic meatball. Packed with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, these chicken meatballs are a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are perfect for any meal, bringing a burst of flavor to the table.
The base of these chicken meatballs starts with lean ground chicken, which provides a lighter, healthier protein compared to beef or pork. The chicken is seasoned with a combination of fresh garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme, giving the meatballs a fragrant, herbaceous flavor that complements the natural taste of the chicken. A bit of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and a savory depth to the meatballs without overpowering the other flavors.
For added moisture and texture, breadcrumbs and a lightly beaten egg are mixed into the chicken mixture. The breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together, ensuring they stay juicy and tender as they cook. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil gives them a nice golden-brown crust when baked or pan-fried.
These garlic herbed chicken meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prep. When ready to eat, simply heat them through in a sauce of your choice, or serve them as-is with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or tzatziki for extra flavor.
Not only are these meatballs a healthier alternative to traditional meatball recipes, but they’re also packed with flavor. The garlic and herbs infuse each bite with a fragrant and savory taste, making them perfect for pairing with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple salad.
Garlic herbed chicken meatballs are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or packing lunch for the week, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 500 grams ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and beaten egg. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, cooking until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Use remaining olive oil as needed for frying in batches.
I don’t know, they were kinda bland to me. Maybe more spice next time?
Easy to make, but my meatballs fell apart. I don’t think I mixed them enough. 😕
These meatballs were a hit at dinner! So juicy and flavorful. Will definitely make again!
Meh, meatballs ain’t that special. Just okay, not sure what’s the hype?
I don’t have fresh parsley so I used dried, hope it’s okay. Can anyone let me know if it will taste bad?
I dunno, I’ve always heard fresh is better. Maybe it will taste ok, but I wouldn’t bet on it!
Dried parsley should be fine! It might taste a bit different, but not bad. Just use a little less since it’s more concentrated.
Pretty tasty, but it needs a sauce. I served it with marinara and it felt way more complete. Meatballs alone were a little bland.
400°F felt a little high for chicken meatballs for me. I baked them 15 minutes but they were slightly dry—maybe my oven runs hot. Still tasty though.
Totally agree—chicken can dry out fast at 400°F. I usually do 375°F and add a tiny bit of moisture (like an extra splash of olive oil) and they stay juicy.
My family ate these so fast I didn’t even get a photo 😅. Browned well in the skillet and stayed tender in the oven. Thanks!
Haha that’s the best kind of review 😄 Glad they browned up and stayed tender!
This dish is da bomb! I love the herby taste. Thanks for sharing!
Garlic!!! Love it!! Gonna make these for my party this weekend.
These meatballs are delicious! So much flavor. I added some chili flakes for a kick! Definitely a keeper.
Chili flakes sounds like a great idea! I’m gonna try that next time. Thanks for sharing!
I tried these meatballs too! But they did not turn out as flavorful for me. Maybe I didn’t add enough garlic? 🤔
So easy to make! I made it with turkey instead and they were still great. Will make again!
Nice to hear! Turkey is a great alternative. Did you use any other spices?
I don’t think turkey would taste as good. Chicken has that much better flavor.
This is too complicated for me. Just give me a burger instead. K.I.S.S.
I get it, burgers are easier! But these meatballs could be worth a shot. Maybe less mess?
These were a HUGE hit at dinner! Thanks for the great recipe!
So glad to hear that! These meatballs are amazing! 😍
I tried this recipe but it didn’t work for me. My meatballs were too dry. Maybe I used too much bread?
I don’t know, the garlic kinda overwhelmed the chicken for me.
I disagree! I thought the garlic added a nice kick. Maybe it’s just a matter of taste?
Garlic overwhelming? Nah, it’s the star here! You shoulda tried it with less garlic if you didn’t like it.
These meatballs are delish! I added a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Will definitely make again!
Hmm, I doubt these would be good without any cheese. Is that even a thing? Meatballs gotta have cheese!
You don’t need cheese to make meatballs! These sound flavorful as they are. Give it a try!
I can’t even imagine meatballs without cheese. Seems like a big miss to me!
They turned out dry and I followed the recipe exactly. Not happy.
Can I use beef instead of chicken? I’ve never made chicken meatballs before. Kinda scared!
Made these tonight and they turned out juicy! The garlic flavor really comes through, and baking after browning is such an easy combo.
Yummm 😋
I cooked them much longer than it said and they burnt! Follow instructions, y’all!
I followed the recipe but they turned out kinda dry :(. Maybe I used too much breadcrumbs?
Garlic is too strong, I couldn’t handle it! Next time I’m cutting back. Good shape tho.
I tried this recipe but it didn’t turn out quite right. The meatballs were too dry. Maybe I overcooked them?
I didn’t have parsley so used basil. Is that fine? They still taste fine to me.
Did you really say 1/4 cup of parsley? That’s not enough, should’ve added more for flavor. Just saying.
Just a mix of ground chicken and breadcrumbs… is this even a recipe?
It’s a basic recipe but it sounds flavorful with the garlic and herbs! Sometimes simple is best.
I was skeptical about using chicken instead of beef, but I loved these! Thumbs up!
My whole kitchen smelled amazing. I added a tiny pinch of chili flakes and it was perfect. Will definitely repeat.
I tried something similar once but I used way more chili and it got kinda spicy-bitter. Maybe my oregano was old too. This sounds safe though—1 pinch sounds right.
Yes! That chili flake tweak sounds spot on—garlic + herbs + a little heat is perfect. Glad it worked for you. 😊
Really easy to make! I added some chili flakes for an extra kick, delish!
Sounds amazing! I’m definitely trying this. Chili flakes are a great idea!
I dunno…it seems too simple. Are they really that good? I’ve tried other meatball recipes that were way better.
They turned out dry for me. Did I miss something? I followed the recipe but not happy with the texture.
Super easy to make, my kids ate them all! 😀
Meatballs are good but were better last time I made with beef.
Simple and quick! Perfect for a busy weeknight. I added some chili flakes for a kick and it was delicious! ❤️
This sounds too easy. Are they really that good? I’m skeptical… 🤔
I totally agree! The chili flakes make all the difference. Love this recipe! 🥰
My kids loved them and they’re usually picky! Easy recipe too. Thnx! 🍗
Soo easy to make! I might even try with other meats next time. 😋
Really nice! My kids loved them too. I served with spaghetti, so good!
Meatballs? Nah, I prefer fish. Why is chicken even a thing?
Who needs chicken? Fish is way healthier! I just don’t understand the appeal of meatballs at all. What’s the big deal?
Fish is great, but chicken can be super tasty too! These meatballs are packed with flavor. Don’t knock it till you try it!
Why do you need egg in meatballs? I never use it and they turn out fine.
These meatballs were amazing! So juicy and flavorful, my kids devoured them. Definitely a new family favorite!
Garlic and chicken? Sounds weird, but it was, like, super good lol.
These meatballs were a hit at the dinner table! Juicy and flavorful. Will definitely make again.
Honestly, the ingredient list is simple but the results feel fancy. I served with pasta and marinara and everyone asked for the recipe.
Chicken is just not meant for meatballs. Fail.
Are these chicken or beef? Can’t tell. But tbh, they were okay.
They’re chicken, you must have read the title wrong! But hey, if you think they were just okay, maybe try adding some more spices next time.
Wow, these little balls are packed with flavor! Would make them again! 🙌
First time making meatballs. Super simple! Will definitely make again!
Congrats! They’re super easy and taste great. I wanna try adding some cheese next time!
I don’t get why everyone is raving about these. They were kinda bland. I added hot sauce and that helped!
Do u think I could use turkey instead of chicken? I have some leftovers to use.
Easy recipe, good flavor, but confused about resting them. Resting meatballs? Seriously?
I dunno about resting but I guess it sounds fancy? Meatballs are meatballs, lol.
Resting is key! It lets the flavors settle and keeps them juicy. Trust the process!
Yummy!
I can’t wait to try these! They sound delicious!
I forgot to add the egg and they were still good! #MeatballsForTheWin
Eh, what’s up with all the garlic? Too much for my taste.
These meatballs were a hit! Juicy and full of flavor. My family loved them!
So glad to hear that! Meatballs can be tricky, but it sounds like you nailed it!
Garlic meatballs? Sounds weird
I used turkey instead of chicken cause that’s what I had. Still turned out yum! 🦃❤️
I don’t know… I followed everything but they turned out kinda dry. Maybe I overcooked?
Never thought of chicken meatballs, but wow these are great! So easy too!
Yum! I added some cheese and they were sooo good! Will def make again!
One egg seems like not enough for 500g chicken? Mine fell apart a bit when I turned them in the pan. Flavor was good though, just messy.
Thanks for the honest note! I’ve had the same issue sometimes—if the mixture feels a bit wet, try adding 1–2 extra tbsp breadcrumbs or letting it rest 5 minutes before shaping. One egg usually works, but chicken can vary a lot.
AMAZING! The garlic really makes it pop. Love how simple it is. Thanks for sharing!
I tried this recipe and they were so dry… maybe I overcooked? Who knows?!
OMG! These meatballs taste sooooo good! Best recipe ever!
Meh. They tasted a bit bland to me. Needs more spices.
Bland? Nah. I liked them just how they are. You just have to appreciate the simple taste! Not everything needs to be spicy, you know.
I thought they were pretty good! Maybe try adding some chili flakes or paprika next time? It could give a nice kick. 🙂
Meh. Tasted ok, but the breadcrumbs made them a little dry. Will try with fewer breadcrumbs or add cheese next time.
Quick and easy! I made these for dinner and my kids loved them. Will definitely make again.
Garlic is life! These meatballs are super good. Good recipe but add more herbs.
These meatballs were so easy to make! My kids loved them!
I thought meatballs were supposed to be beef, not chicken. Isn’t that weird? Anyway, they tasted okay.
Yummy!!! I didn’t have parsley so used basil instead. Still turned out great!
Not sure if basil goes well with chicken meatballs, but if you liked it, that’s what matters. 🤔
Basil is a good substitute! I love experimenting with herbs. Good job! 🍃
These came out super juicy—my picky eater actually went back for seconds. The garlic + oregano combo is perfect. Will make again for sure.
Love this! Juicy meatballs are the goal 😄 The garlic + oregano really makes sense with chicken. Definitely trying your exact method.
Served these with spaghetti and it was a hit. Probably the best meatballs I’ve made!
Meatballs? Chicken? That’s weird. Are you sure this gonna work?
Five stars! So easy 😋
These are amazing for meal prep. I froze half after baking and reheated in the oven and they stayed good. 10/10 convenience.
I made these but they fell apart in the oven. Maybe too much garlic or something? Not sure what I did wrong.
Really simple recipe. I burned mine though because I forgot about them in the oven. Oops!
Oh no! It happens to the best of us! Maybe try setting a timer next time?
I don’t understand how you can bake meatballs. Aren’t they supposed to be fried or something?
Baking meatballs is actually better for you! You get less oil and they’re less greasy. Try it! 😄
I don’t know. Isn’t frying the real way to do it? Baking just seems wrong to me.
I used Italian breadcrumbs instead of plain and it turned out okay. Also I forgot to preheat the skillet but they still browned. Kinda chaotic but tasty!
Just okay. Wouldn’t recommend if you’re not into garlic, very garlicky!
I love garlic! The more, the merrier. These meatballs sound delicious to me!
Garlic is OK but dang, 3 cloves? That seems like too much for me. How about less next time?
Super easy recipe! I made these on a busy weekday and they were done quickly.
Garlic lover here! The flavor was spot on.
Wow, these meatballs are so yummy! My kids loved them. Will make again!
How do you even shape meatballs without making a mess? I just couldn’t.
I don’t know… I followed the recipe but they came out kinda dry. Maybe I overcooked them?
Solid idea, but 1 cup breadcrumbs felt a bit dry to me with ground chicken. Next time I’ll try adding a splash of water or extra egg to keep them more tender.
I used ground turkey instead and they were alright. Not my fave.
Ground turkey can be a good substitute, but yeah, it’s kinda dry sometimes. Have you tried adding more seasoning next time?
I followed it pretty closely but mine needed ~5 more minutes in the oven. Flavor was great though—nice and herby. Next time I’ll double-check doneness earlier.
I followed it exactly and they browned great in the skillet. However, mine took closer to 20 minutes in the oven to cook through—maybe my meatballs were bigger.
Meatballs in an oven skillet? Sounds fancy, but I’m skeptical it’ll brown right. Surprisingly it did—browning was decent and the inside stayed moist.
Really flavorful! I substituted basil for parsley and they were still great.
Sounds delish! I’m gonna try that switch next time!
I don’t think basil will give the same flavor…not sure about that.
Garlic chicken meatballs?! Yuck! What a weird combo. I’ll stick to beef. No thanks!
Beef is good but don’t knock it till you try it! Garlic can make everything better! Just sayin’
I think garlic chicken meatballs sound delicious! Never tried it but I love garlic. Maybe you should keep an open mind!
I don’t think chicken works for meatballs. It’s not beef. Just sayin’.
What? Chicken meatballs are a thing! Just because it’s not beef doesn’t mean it’s bad! 😂
I disagree! Chicken meatballs can be tasty, and they’re definitely healthier than beef! Give it a try! 😊
These meatballs were amazing! So flavorful and juicy! Definitely making again.
Yum! So flavorful and juicy! I used Italian seasoning instead of oregano.
Do I have to use olive oil? I only have butter. Will that work?
Butter should be fine! Just might change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be good.
These meatballs are absolutely delicious! The garlic flavor is perfect. Will definitely make again!
Garlic should not be in meatballs! Just stick to salt and pepper. 🤷♂️
I think garlic adds a ton of flavor! Meatballs without garlic sound kinda plain to me.
Made these tonight and they turned out juicy! The garlic and parsley combo is perfect, and the bake step is super forgiving. I’ll definitely make again.
Simple and tasty! I added some cheese inside for a twist, and it was delicious.
I followed the steps exactly and mine were kinda bland. Next time I’ll bump up the salt/pepper or add chili flakes.
Totally hear you—meatballs can come out a bit flat if the seasoning isn’t punchy enough. I’d start by slightly increasing salt (even +1/4 tsp) and adding a pinch of chili flakes like you said. Also, if your breadcrumbs are pretty plain, a little extra black pepper helps a lot.
Meh, they tasted kinda bland to me. Maybe more spices next time?
The texture was perfect—like actual meatballs, not hockey pucks. I used fresh parsley and it made a real difference. 10/10 would repeat.
Meatballs? More like meat lumps. Didn’t come out round at all!
Pretty good and easy. I did add a little grated parmesan because I had it, and it made them even better. Next time I might use a touch less breadcrumbs.
Not sure why but mine stuck to the skillet a bit. Maybe I didn’t use enough oil or the pan wasn’t well seasoned. Flavor was still good though.
These meatballs are a hit at my dinner party! Everyone loved them.
Yummy! But I think I put too much garlic. Next time I’ll cut back a little. Still delicious tho!
I think I put too much salt, but overall tasty! Maybe my salt shaker is broken.
Good flavor, but my meatballs stuck a bit to the skillet even though I used oil. Next time I’ll line the pan or use nonstick—otherwise solid recipe.
I know you said oil, but did you let the meatballs brown enough before moving them? If you poke too early they stick. Also I line my pan with foil sometimes—super helps. Will try again.
Totally agree on the sticking—mine did the same thing. Next time I’ll make sure the skillet is really well preheated and maybe use more oil or a nonstick pan. Flavor was great though!
My kids loved them! I served with spaghetti, and it was a hit at dinner. Thanks!
I couldn’t find chicken, so I used turkey. Still turned out good, kinda.
I don’t know, garlic in every bite is a lot for my family. Still, the texture was nice and not chewy like some chicken recipes.
Yeah I get it—3 cloves is a lot if your family isn’t into garlic. But you can always cut it down (or use less minced garlic) and the texture should still stay tender like you said.
Really good! My kids loved them and that’s a tough crowd haha!
That’s awesome to hear! Kids can be so picky, but these meatballs are a winner! 😄
Really? My kids didn’t like them at all. They said they taste weird. 🤷♂️
Yummy! 🐔👍
These meatballs are delicious! The garlic really shines through. Will definitely make again!
I’ve made these too, and I totally agree! The garlic gives it such a great flavor. Definitely worth the effort!
Garlic in meatballs? Genius! I’m gonna try this for game night. Thanks!
Absolutely! Garlic makes everything better! Hope you all enjoy it!
Used turkey instead of chicken and it worked great! Crispy outside and juicy inside.
Garlic + oregano = can’t fail, right? 😄 Mine browned fast, like in 3-4 minutes, so I had to watch them. Turned out pretty good.
Totally agree 😄 garlic + oregano is such a reliable combo. Browning fast can happen—sounds like you just kept an eye on them at the right moment!
The seasoning balance is on point. I love that it’s baked after browning—less mess than pan-frying. Great weeknight meal.
Not sure about “browned on all sides” taking 5-7 mins—mine usually takes longer and I worry they’ll burn before the middle cooks. Maybe it depends on the pan? Still, they taste good.
Totally agree—browning first then baking is the best combo. Less greasy cleanup than pan-frying, and they stay juicy. I’m making these again this week! 👍
So many steps! Can’t I just throw everything in a pot? I don’t have time for this 😩.
Not gonna lie, I misread 400°F as 300°F at first… they weren’t cooked at all. BUT once I fixed the temp, they came out perfect. So yeah, pay attention 😅
Meatballs? Not for me, I prefer steak. But, good for chicken lovers, I suppose.
These meatballs were absolutely delicious! So juicy and flavorful. I couldn’t stop eating them!
I’m glad you loved them! They really are the best, right? I could eat them every day!
I was a bit skeptical about chicken meatballs, but these turned out pretty good! I might add some cheese next time.
Glad you enjoyed them! Cheese sounds like a tasty addition for next time. 😋
I’m skeptical about baking just 15 minutes after browning. Still, it worked for me—maybe because my meatballs were small. Good instructions!
Right? I was the same—15 min sounded too short after browning. But with small (1-inch) meatballs at 400°F it totally makes sense. Glad it worked for you!
Not bad, but I wish there was more sauce or something with the bake. They taste like “meatballs,” not like a whole meal.
I get what you mean—right now it’s more “meatballs” than a saucy baked chicken situation. Next time I’d add a jar of marinara or even a quick garlic-herb pan sauce before baking (or after, when you rest them). Might make it feel like a whole meal.
Mine came out kinda dry for me too. I think 15 min at 400 might be a lot for chicken? I’m gonna try 375 and add more oil/sauce in the skillet. Also I put too much breadcrumb once and it felt like eating only bread 😅
I added some cheese, and it was awesome! A must-try!
Super easy! My kids loved them. They didn’t even know they were chicken! 🐔👍
That’s awesome! My kids are picky, so I’ll definitely try this. Thanks for sharing! 😊
Not bad, but 1 cup breadcrumbs feels like a lot with ground chicken. My mix was a little dry and crumbly, but adding a tiny splash of olive oil helped.
Interesting… I actually follow it exactly and mine are fine? Maybe my egg size is bigger? 1 cup does sound like a thick binder though. A little oil definitely makes sense.
Totally agree—1 cup breadcrumbs is a lot for 500g ground chicken. I’ve made these and mine were dry too until I cut the breadcrumbs down (like 1/2–2/3 cup) and kept an eye on the mix.
I followed the recipe but my meatballs were a little dry. Next time I’ll try adding a splash of milk or mixing in some extra olive oil to keep them tender.
Meatballs ain’t supposed to be made with chicken. Just sayin’. Beef or nothing.
Nah, dude. Meatballs should always be beef. Chicken is too bland for meatballs. Just my opinion!
Well, that’s not true! Chicken meatballs can be just as tasty as beef. It’s all about the seasoning!
For real, can these be made with turkey? Asking for a friend. 😅
Yes, you can totally use turkey instead of chicken! It’ll work just fine. 😊
I dunno, but turkey meatballs sound kinda dry to me. Chicken is juicier, right?
The smell while baking was amazing. My only complaint is I didn’t rest them long enough, so they were a tad crumbly when cut.
Pretty straightforward and honestly tasted better than I expected. I used panko instead of regular breadcrumbs and they still held together great.
I found the meatballs a bit bland. Maybe needs more spices or something. Kinda disappointed.
These were okay, but I didn’t love the texture. Next time I’ll try mixing in some grated onion or cheese.
The flavor is nice, but mine stuck to the skillet a little. Maybe my pan wasn’t well seasoned or I needed more oil. Still tasted good though.
These meatballs are amazing! They stayed juicy and flavorful. My family loved them!
They seemed a bit dry when I made them. Maybe I overcooked? I dunno, but I’ll give it another shot.
I’m glad you liked the meatballs! They were a hit at my house too. Perfect for a family dinner!
These came out super juicy! I added a splash of lemon juice to the mix and it really brightened the garlic/herbs. The browned edges were perfect.
First time making meatballs and they turned out amazing! Thanks for this great recipe!
I’m so glad to hear that! Meatballs can be tricky, but sounds like you nailed it. What sauce did you use?
Really? I find meatballs hard to get right. Were they really that good, or are you just saying that?
They were okay, but I found them a bit dry. Maybe I needed more oil?
Dry meatballs? Hmm, maybe you overcooked them? But yeah, oil helps. Just don’t drown them! 😂
I think you’re right about the oil! A little more could definitely help with the moisture. I’ve made them before and added more and it worked wonders!
Could use more garlic. Like 3 cloves is modest, not gonna lie. Still good herbs though.
400°F is kinda high for chicken meatballs, imo. But I cooked them anyway and they came out done… just don’t overbake.
Why do people like chicken meatballs? They taste weird! I stick to beef.
These came out super juicy! The garlic and oregano combo is spot on, and the oven method makes it way easier than stovetop only. Will make again.
Love hearing that! I did something similar once and the garlic/oregano really makes the whole thing taste “restaurant-y.” Gonna try your combo next time—thanks!
Juicy is good, but mine got a little dry when I baked too long. 15 minutes at 400°F—do you mean exactly 15 or more like until they’re not pink? Either way sounds tasty.
I followed the recipe, but the garlic was WAY too strong for my taste. I prefer less garlic next time.
Looks easy, but I don’t have time in my busy life. How can you make meatballs in 30 mins?