Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs (Healthy & Juicy)

Skip the frying pan with these perfectly juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs! This healthy, mess-free recipe is a fantastic weeknight staple.

Published: 7/24/2026

Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs

Ground chicken is incredibly lean, which is great for healthy eating, but it can easily dry out. The secret to keeping these Baked Chicken Meatballs exceptionally juicy is the panade (a mixture of milk and breadcrumbs) that locks in the moisture. Baking them in the oven means zero grease splatters on your stove!

Ingredients (4 servings)

• 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup (50 g) plain breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 1 small yellow onion, finely grated or minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk together. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the moisture.
3. Add the ground chicken, egg, grated onion, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the bowl.
4. Using your hands or a fork, gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix, or the meatballs will become tough.
5. Wet your hands slightly with cold water (this prevents sticking) and roll the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Serving

Serve these versatile meatballs over pasta with marinara sauce, tucked into a sub sandwich, or alongside roasted vegetables for a low-carb dinner.

Pro Tips

• Grate the Onion: Grating the onion instead of chopping it adds extra moisture directly into the meatball batter and prevents any large, crunchy raw onion pieces.
• Egg-Free Alternative: If you have an egg allergy, you can omit the egg and add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to bind the mixture instead.

Categories: mains, healthy