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Easy One-Pan Baked Chicken Meatballs: 30-Min Dinner

one pan baked chicken meatballs - featured image

A comforting, quick, and easy one-pan baked chicken meatball recipe that delivers bold flavor with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tender meatballs are baked in marinara sauce for maximum juiciness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground chicken (thigh meat recommended for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular dried breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pour marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands or a spoon until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch diameter balls (yields 20-24 meatballs). Place them directly into the baking dish on top of the sauce.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and meatballs are slightly golden.
  6. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra browning, watching closely to prevent burning.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Keep hands wet when rolling meatballs to prevent sticking. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper baking rather than steaming. Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices. Can be frozen after baking for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, one-pan dinner, easy weeknight meals, baked meatballs, healthy comfort food, gluten-free option, meal prep