Easy Juicy Mini Chicken Meatballs
These easy juicy mini chicken meatballs are quick to make, tender, and flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings. They are bite-sized, juicy inside, slightly crisp outside, and a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (93% lean preferred)
- ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk (whole or 2%, or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup grated yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate the onion and Parmesan cheese finely. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup breadcrumbs with ¼ cup milk. Let soak until milk is absorbed and breadcrumbs are soft, about 5 minutes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add ground chicken, soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Wet your hands slightly and roll the mixture into mini meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- To fry: Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check doneness; juices should run clear and centers should be firm but juicy. Let meatballs rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Soak breadcrumbs in milk to add moisture. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying to ensure browning. Rest meatballs after cooking to lock in juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust breadcrumbs or milk if mixture is too wet or dry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4-5 mi
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 18
Keywords: chicken meatballs, mini meatballs, quick dinner, easy recipe, juicy meatballs, weeknight meal, kid-friendly