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!