Chicken meatballs are one of the most loved comfort foods around the world. They are lighter than beef meatballs, incredibly versatile, and when prepared correctly, unbelievably juicy and tender. Whether you are cooking for a quick family dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, these 16 easy juicy chicken meatball recipes will never disappoint.
Why Chicken Meatballs Are a Great Choice
Chicken meatballs are:
- High in protein
- Lower in fat than red meat
- Easy to customize with spices and sauces
- Perfect for frying, baking, air-frying, or simmering
The key to juicy chicken meatballs is moisture—ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, yogurt, cheese, or vegetables make all the difference.
1. Classic Juicy Chicken Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion (finely grated)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl without overworking the meat.
- Shape into small balls.
- Pan-fry in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Tip: Grated onion releases moisture, keeping meatballs extra juicy.
2. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 18–20 minutes.
- Serve with pasta or marinara sauce.
3. Spicy Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Red chili flakes
- Paprika
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Mix spices evenly into the chicken.
- Shape and pan-fry or bake.
- Serve with spicy mayo or chili sauce.
4. Asian-Style Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Soy sauce
- Ginger (grated)
- Garlic
- Green onions
Instructions
- Mix ingredients gently.
- Bake or pan-fry.
- Glaze with teriyaki sauce before serving.
5. Creamy Chicken Meatballs in White Sauce
Ingredients
- Chicken meatballs (prepared)
- Butter
- Cream
- Garlic
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook meatballs separately.
- Prepare the cream sauce in a pan.
- Simmer meatballs in sauce for 5 minutes.
6. Cheesy Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Mozzarella cheese cubes
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Wrap the meat mixture around the cheese cubes.
- Bake until golden and melty inside.
7. Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Chicken mince
- Lemon zest
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Garlic
Instructions
- Mix and shape meatballs.
- Pan-fry and finish with lemon juice drizzle.
8. Chicken Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- Prepared chicken meatballs
- Tomato puree
- Onion
- Garlic
- Basil
Instructions
- Fry meatballs lightly.
- Simmer in tomato sauce for 15 minutes.
9. Baked Healthy Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Oats (instead of breadcrumbs)
- Egg
- Onion
Instructions
- Mix and form balls.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 180°C.
10. Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Chicken mince
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C.
- Cook meatballs for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
11. Greek-Style Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Feta cheese
- Oregano
- Garlic
Instructions
- Mix gently.
- Bake or pan-fry.
- Serve with yogurt sauce.
12. Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Chicken meatballs
- Honey
- Soy sauce
- Garlic
Instructions
- Cook the meatballs first.
- Toss in the honey garlic glaze until sticky.
13. Chicken Meatballs in Coconut Curry
Ingredients
- Chicken meatballs
- Coconut milk
- Curry paste
- Onion
Instructions
- Simmer curry sauce.
- Add meatballs and cook gently.
14. BBQ Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
Instructions
- Bake meatballs.
- Brush with BBQ sauce and bake again for 5 minutes.
15. Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- Chicken mince
- Cheese or olives
- Garlic
- Spices
Instructions
- Stuff filling inside meatballs.
- Bake or fry until cooked through.
16. Chicken Meatballs for Meal Prep
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Simple seasoning
Instructions
- Bake all meatballs evenly.
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs
- Do not overmix the meat
- Always add moisture (egg, onion, yogurt, or cheese)
- Cook at medium heat
- Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving
Final Thoughts
These 16 easy juicy chicken meatball recipes prove that chicken meatballs don’t have to be dry or boring. From classic comfort food to international flavors, each recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and full of taste. Whether baked, fried, air-fried, or simmered in sauce, these chicken meatballs will become a regular part of your kitchen routine.
