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Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe

4.6 from 139 reviews

Delicious and kid-friendly ground chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection. These meatballs are tender, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making them a perfect meal or snack for children. Made with wholesome ingredients like ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, they offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor, optional)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 large egg (preferably organic)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Cooking spray (such as Pam) for greasing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking while baking.
  2. Mix the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, egg, and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together well and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid and become cohesive.
  3. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Add the ground chicken and Parmesan cheese (if using) to the soaked breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything thoroughly until it comes together into a uniform, cohesive mixture suitable for shaping into meatballs.
  4. Shape the Meatballs: Portion the mixture into 18-20 even-sized meatballs to ensure they cook evenly. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniformity. Roll each portion gently into smooth balls. Wetting your hands slightly can prevent the mixture from sticking during shaping.
  5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the shaped meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray to help them brown nicely during baking.
  6. Bake and Serve: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For an extra golden finish, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. These meatballs also pair well with spaghetti or make a tasty meatball sub.

Notes

  • Omitting Parmesan cheese is fine if your kids prefer milder flavors.
  • Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Wet your hands before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
  • Keep an eye on meatballs during broiling to prevent them from burning.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Keywords: ground chicken meatballs, kid-friendly meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy meatballs, chicken recipes for kids