Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Garlic Herb Butter

These tender, juicy baked chicken meatballs are bursting with flavor thanks to a delicious lemony garlic herb butter that gets drizzled over the top. Lighter and brighter than traditional beef or pork meatballs, they cook up perfectly in just 20 minutes in the oven. Serve them over pasta, zucchini noodles, or in soup – or simply enjoy them on their own with a side of crusty bread to soak up that amazing butter sauce. Pro tip: make a double batch because these freeze beautifully for quick weeknight dinners!

Why Chicken Meatballs Have Become My Go-To Recipe

I’ve always had a weak spot for savory recipes. While I enjoy baking sweet treats, there’s something about a savory, herb-infused dish that truly speaks to my soul. These chicken meatballs have been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I’ve experimented with countless variations before landing on this perfect recipe that my family requests again and again.

When spring arrives, I love serving these meatballs over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles with plenty of the lemon-herb butter spooned over the top. The bright flavors and lighter profile make it the ideal transitional meal between winter’s heaviness and summer’s freshness.

Why This Will Be Your New Favorite Chicken Meatball Recipe

What makes these meatballs stand out from all the others? Let me count the ways:

• Quick cooking time – Just 20 minutes in the oven and dinner is ready
• That butter “sauce” – Fresh, vibrant, and bursting with lemon, garlic, and herbs
• Incredibly versatile – Enjoy them plain, with marinara sauce, or with pesto
• Adaptable recipe – Works beautifully with ground turkey if you prefer
• Gluten-free option – Simply swap in your favorite GF breadcrumbs
• Shape-shifter – Form into patties for delicious homemade chicken burgers

Best Ingredients to Use & Why

The magic of these meatballs lies in the quality and combination of simple ingredients:

Ground Chicken: The star of the show provides a lighter canvas for our herbs and seasonings. Ground turkey works beautifully too if that’s what you have on hand.

Egg: Acts as the essential binding agent that helps hold everything together.

Olive Oil: Adds moisture and a subtle flavor depth that prevents the meatballs from drying out.

Worcestershire Sauce: Don’t skip this! It adds an umami punch that elevates the entire dish.

Breadcrumbs: Another crucial binding ingredient. Use panko for lighter texture, regular breadcrumbs for a denser result, or Italian seasoned for extra flavor.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: Optional but recommended for that savory depth. The aged cheese brings a wonderful nutty quality.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic goes into both the meatballs and the sauce for layers of aromatic flavor.

Seasonings: A perfect blend of salt, pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh parsley creates a classic Mediterranean profile.

Red Pepper Flakes: An optional garnish for those who enjoy a gentle heat.

How to Make Baked Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs come together with minimal effort – just mix, shape, and bake!

First, combine your ground chicken with egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, optional parmesan, garlic, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – overmixing is the enemy of tender meatballs.

Using a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture and gently roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then pop them in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes until cooked through.

Do I Need to Pre-Cook These Chicken Meatballs ?

Absolutely not! Unlike many meatball recipes that require searing before baking, these go straight into the oven. This simple one-step cooking process not only saves time but also keeps your kitchen cleaner. The high heat of the oven creates a lovely light browning on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.

Fresh Lemon Garlic Herb Butter Sauce

While the meatballs are the star, this simple butter “sauce” is what makes them truly memorable. It’s nothing complicated – just good-quality butter melted with fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and herbs – but it adds incredible moisture and bright flavor to the meatballs.

The warm meatballs soak up this aromatic butter, creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. Don’t be surprised when everyone at the table asks for extra sauce for dipping!

Why Are My Chicken Meatballs Tough?

If your meatballs aren’t turning out as tender as you’d like, there are two likely culprits:

1. Over-baking: Chicken can dry out quickly, so watch your timing carefully
2. Over-handling: The most common mistake is packing the mixture too tightly when shaping

The key is to mix the ingredients just until combined and roll the meatballs gently between your palms. A light touch results in tender, juicy meatballs every time.

How Do I Know When the Baked Chicken Meatballs Are Done?

Baking time is approximately 20 minutes, but the most reliable way to check doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What to Serve With Chicken Meatballs

The versatility of these meatballs is part of their charm. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Tossed with your favorite pasta and extra herb butter
• Over zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option
• With marinara or pesto sauce
• As an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce
• Alongside roasted vegetables and rice
• Stuffed into a crusty roll for a meatball sub
• With good bread for soaking up that delicious butter sauce

For a fun twist, shape the mixture into patties instead of balls and cook for slightly longer to make delicious chicken burgers!

How to Freeze Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are perfect for meal prep. You can freeze them either after baking or while still raw:

To freeze cooked meatballs: Allow them to cool completely, then place on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer to a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Store for up to 2 months.

To freeze raw meatballs: Shape the mixture into balls, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month.

Reheating Instructions

For frozen cooked meatballs: Place on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes until heated through.

For frozen raw meatballs: Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

These chicken meatballs have become a staple in our household, loved by both kids and adults. The combination of tender meat, bright lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, they’re sure to become one of your go-to recipes!