4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs—a crowd-pleasing dish that blends savory flavors, satisfying texture, and just the right touch of Parmesan richness. These meatballs are weeknight heroes: simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for last-minute dinners or meal prep. Whether you need a wholesome appetizer, quick protein for salads, or a fun twist on classic comfort food, this easy recipe never disappoints!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, each one plays a starring role in making these 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs utterly irresistible. You’ll appreciate how their combination guarantees juicy meatballs packed with flavor and a hint of color and crunch.

• Ground Chicken: The lean, mild base that keeps every bite tender and juicy—perfect for soaking up the other flavors.
• Italian-flavored Bread Crumbs: These bring all those classic herby, garlicky notes and bind everything together beautifully.
• Shredded Carrots (optional): For an optional pop of color, moisture, and a bit of sweet crunch if you’d like to sneak in an extra veggie.
• Shredded Parmesan: Adds bold, nutty flavor and helps create that coveted golden-baked finish.
• Egg: The magic ingredient that ensures your meatballs hold together every time—no crumbling here!

How to Make 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. To make cleanup a breeze, line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and give it a generous coat of nonstick spray. This ensures your meatballs bake evenly and lift right off the pan in one beautiful piece.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian-flavored bread crumbs, shredded carrots (if using), shredded Parmesan, and the egg. The best way to get everything perfectly combined is with clean hands—this gives you control and ensures a gentle mix, which is key to tender 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Grab a tablespoon measuring spoon and scoop out 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture. Roll each one between your palms to create even balls, then arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. This step keeps the meatballs uniform, so they cook evenly and look fantastic.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 24 to 26 minutes, until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. If you prefer smaller bites, use 1-tablespoon scoops and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. Either way, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 5: Serve or Store

Once they’re out of the oven, serve these 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs warm or let them cool and stash them in the freezer for later. They reheat wonderfully, making them every bit as convenient as they are delicious.

How to Serve 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

Dress up your 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs with a simple shower of fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a drizzle of your favorite marinara. These little finishing touches make the flavors pop and the plate look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these meatballs with classic spaghetti, toss them on top of a hearty salad, or serve them alongside roasted veggies for a lighter, low-carb meal. Garlic bread or rice are always delicious, easy-going companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get playful and slide them onto skewers for party appetizers, tuck them into warm pita with tzatziki, or toss them in buffalo sauce for a fun twist. Leftovers also make yummy meatball sub sandwiches, so don’t be afraid to remix and reinvent!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, store any extra 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Their flavor stays spot-on, making them ideal for grab-and-go lunches or super quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just a few at a time for easy meals down the road.

Reheating

Warm them in the microwave for a minute or two, reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of broth, or pop them in a 350 degree F oven until heated through. However you reheat, these meatballs remain juicy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey swaps in perfectly and will give you equally tasty and moist meatballs with a slightly different flavor profile.

Do I have to add the shredded carrots?

The carrots are optional—they add a little sweetness, color, and veggie factor, but you can totally leave them out if you prefer a simpler meatball.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked all the way through?

The easiest way is to check that they’re golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. For extra peace of mind, an internal thermometer should read 165 degrees F.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Definitely! Just use a larger bowl and two baking sheets if needed—the 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs are perfect for serving a crowd, and everyone will want seconds!

What sauces go well with these meatballs?

Marinara is always a classic, but you can also try BBQ sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or even a yogurt-based dip for lighter flair. Their simple flavor suits all kinds of extras!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and family-approved meal, these 4-Ingredient Baked Chicken Meatballs truly deliver. Give this recipe a shot—you might be surprised how often it ends up on your regular dinner rotation!

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