Oven-Baked Chicken Meatballs with Italian Herbs

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy oven-baked chicken meatballs infused with Italian herbs and Parmesan, perfect for a quick meal or family dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground chicken, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Step 2: Shape mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Lightly brush or drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the meatballs to promote browning. Bake for 18-20 minutes until meatballs are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite marinara or pasta.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Chicken Meatballs with Italian Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Chicken Meatballs with Italian Herbs?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Chicken Meatballs with Italian Herbs?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Oven-Baked Chicken Meatballs with Italian Herbs for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Oven-Baked Chicken Meatballs with Italian Herbs?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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