Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs Simple and Flavorful Meal

Name: Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped; 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; to taste salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking); as needed Marinara sauce (for serving)

October 28, 2025January 2, 2025 by Emma Smith

Looking for a simple and tasty meal? Garlic Herb Chicken Meatballs are your answer. These meatballs burst with flavor and are easy to make. You can enjoy them for dinner or even as a snack. In this post, I’ll guide you through all the steps, tips, and variations to help you create the perfect meatballs. Let’s dive into this delicious journey that will make your taste buds dance!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Alternative: Using ground chicken instead of beef makes these meatballs a healthier choice without compromising on taste.
Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, these meatballs can be prepared quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Serving Options: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer with marinara sauce or as a main dish over pasta, making them a versatile meal option.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

– Marinara sauce (for serving)

Measurement Conversions

– 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons

– 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons

– 1 teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon

Suggested Brands or Types of Ingredients

– Ground chicken: Look for lean options, like organic or free-range.

– Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid jarred garlic.

– Fresh herbs: Use organic herbs for a brighter taste.

– Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal.

– Breadcrumbs: Choose plain or Italian-style for added flavor.

These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both simple and flavorful. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic makes every bite delicious. Plus, the meatballs are easy to prepare, making them a great option for any weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need:

– 1 lb ground chicken

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

– Marinara sauce (for serving)

In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Then mix in the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine until everything is mixed well.

Cooking Techniques (Searing and Baking)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, form the chicken mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

In a skillet, add olive oil and heat it over medium. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step gives them a nice golden color. After searing, place the meatballs back on the baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Safe Cooking Temperatures

To ensure your meatballs are safe to eat, check their internal temperature. You want them to reach 165°F (74°C). This is key for ground chicken to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once they are done, you can serve your meatballs with marinara sauce or on pasta. Enjoy the flavorful meal!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Perfectly Shaped Meatballs

To make meatballs that are all the same size, use a cookie scoop. This tool helps you get even portions. Aim for about one inch in diameter. Once you scoop, roll each ball gently in your hands. This helps them hold together while cooking. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.

Recommended Cooking Equipment

A few tools make this recipe easy. First, use a large mixing bowl for your ingredients. A sturdy skillet is great for searing meatballs. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps with clean-up. Lastly, a meat thermometer ensures your meatballs cook safely to 165°F (74°C).

Enhancing Flavor Profiles (herbs and spices)

Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste. Use parsley and basil for a bright flavor. You can add oregano for warmth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Experimenting with different herbs can lead to tasty surprises!

Pro Tips

Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming them. This helps the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs greatly enhance the flavor. If possible, opt for fresh parsley and basil instead of dried for a more vibrant taste.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture gently.
Test for Flavor: Before baking all the meatballs, fry a small test meatball to check the seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Variations

Alternative Protein Options

You can swap the ground chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well and keeps it light. Ground beef adds a richer flavor. If you want a meat-free option, try lentils or chickpeas. These are great for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own taste and texture. Adjust cooking times based on what you choose.

Flavor Enhancements

Many herbs and spices can amp up your meatballs. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a woodsy flavor. Smoked paprika can add a nice kick. You can also experiment with cilantro or dill. These herbs give a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Mixing in some red pepper flakes adds heat. Be creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Garlic herb chicken meatballs are super versatile. Serve them over pasta with marinara sauce for a classic meal. They also shine in a fresh salad with greens and veggies. If you want something different, place them in a sub roll. Add cheese and marinara for a tasty meatball sub. You can even serve them as party bites with toothpicks. The options are endless!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Meatballs

To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in a clean, airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once they are firm, transfer the meatballs into freezer bags. Label the bags with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your meatballs, you can use the oven or microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. If using the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Make sure they are hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

FAQs

How do I know when chicken meatballs are cooked?

You can tell chicken meatballs are cooked by checking their color and temperature. When they turn golden brown outside, they are close to being done. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh herbs. Dried herbs have a stronger flavor, so use less. A good rule is to use one-third of the amount. If a recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs. This helps keep the taste balanced.

What sides pair well with garlic herb chicken meatballs?

Garlic herb chicken meatballs go well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:

– Pasta: Serve with marinara or a light olive oil sauce.

– Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness.

– Rice: Fluffy rice can soak up the flavors.

– Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and nutrition.

Pairing these sides makes for a complete and yummy meal.

You now have all the tools to make great chicken meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, measurements, and brands. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, including safe temperatures. Helpful tips and tricks will help you shape and flavor your meatballs perfectly. We explored variations using different proteins and herbs for fun twists. Lastly, you know how to store, freeze, and reheat your tasty leftovers.

Embrace your cooking journey. With these insights, you’ll create delicious meals for yourself and others. Enjoy this tasty adventur

$- 1 lb ground chicken - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) - Marinara sauce (for serving) - 1/4 cup = 4 tablespoons - 1/2 cup = 8 tablespoons - 1 teaspoon = 1/3 tablespoon - Ground chicken: Look for lean options, like organic or free-range. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. Avoid jarred garlic. - Fresh herbs: Use organic herbs for a brighter taste. - Parmesan cheese: Grated or shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal. - Breadcrumbs: Choose plain or Italian-style for added flavor. These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both simple and flavorful. The combination of fresh herbs and garlic makes every bite delicious. Plus, the meatballs are easy to prepare, making them a great option for any weeknight dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) - Marinara sauce (for serving) In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, minced garlic, and chopped herbs. Then mix in the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine until everything is mixed well. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, form the chicken mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in size. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. In a skillet, add olive oil and heat it over medium. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step gives them a nice golden color. After searing, place the meatballs back on the baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for 15-20 minutes. To ensure your meatballs are safe to eat, check their internal temperature. You want them to reach 165°F (74°C). This is key for ground chicken to kill any harmful bacteria. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once they are done, you can serve your meatballs with marinara sauce or on pasta. Enjoy the flavorful meal! To make meatballs that are all the same size, use a cookie scoop. This tool helps you get even portions. Aim for about one inch in diameter. Once you scoop, roll each ball gently in your hands. This helps them hold together while cooking. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. A few tools make this recipe easy. First, use a large mixing bowl for your ingredients. A sturdy skillet is great for searing meatballs. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper helps with clean-up. Lastly, a meat thermometer ensures your meatballs cook safely to 165°F (74°C). Fresh herbs make a big difference in taste. Use parsley and basil for a bright flavor. You can add oregano for warmth. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Experimenting with different herbs can lead to tasty surprises! Pro Tips Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before forming them. This helps the meatballs hold their shape while cooking. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs greatly enhance the flavor. If possible, opt for fresh parsley and basil instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, so handle the mixture gently. Test for Flavor: Before baking all the meatballs, fry a small test meatball to check the seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. {{image_2}} You can swap the ground chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well and keeps it light. Ground beef adds a richer flavor. If you want a meat-free option, try lentils or chickpeas. These are great for a vegetarian twist. Each protein brings its own taste and texture. Adjust cooking times based on what you choose. Many herbs and spices can amp up your meatballs. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a woodsy flavor. Smoked paprika can add a nice kick. You can also experiment with cilantro or dill. These herbs give a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Mixing in some red pepper flakes adds heat. Be creative and make it your own! Garlic herb chicken meatballs are super versatile. Serve them over pasta with marinara sauce for a classic meal. They also shine in a fresh salad with greens and veggies. If you want something different, place them in a sub roll. Add cheese and marinara for a tasty meatball sub. You can even serve them as party bites with toothpicks. The options are endless! To store leftover meatballs, let them cool first. Place them in a clean, airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. Once they are firm, transfer the meatballs into freezer bags. Label the bags with the date. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat your meatballs, you can use the oven or microwave. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. If using the microwave, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Make sure they are hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meal! You can tell chicken meatballs are cooked by checking their color and temperature. When they turn golden brown outside, they are close to being done. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh herbs. Dried herbs have a stronger flavor, so use less. A good rule is to use one-third of the amount. If a recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh herbs, use about 1 tablespoon of dried herbs. This helps keep the taste balanced. Garlic herb chicken meatballs go well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Pasta: Serve with marinara or a light olive oil sauce. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and freshness. - Rice: Fluffy rice can soak up the flavors. - Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and nutrition. Pairing these sides makes for a complete and yummy meal. You now have all the tools to make great chicken meatballs. We covered the key ingredients, measurements, and brands. You learned step-by-step cooking methods, including safe temperatures. Helpful tips and tricks will help you shape and flavor your meatballs perfectly. We explored variations using different proteins and herbs for fun twists. Lastly, you know how to store, freeze, and reheat your tasty leftovers. Embrace your cooking journey. With these insights, you’ll create delicious meals for yourself and others. Enjoy this tasty adventure!$