Cooking chicken meatballs in the oven typically takes 20-25 minutes at 375-400°F (190-200°C) However, the exact cooking time depends on several factors including the size of your meatballs, oven temperature, and ingredients used
Cooking Time Based on Meatball Size
The size of your meatballs is one of the most important factors affecting cooking time
- 1-inch meatballs: Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F
- 1.5-inch meatballs: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F
- 2-inch meatballs: Bake for 30-35 minutes at 375°F
For smaller sizes:
- Mini meatballs: About 15 minutes at 400°F
- Standard meatballs: About 20 minutes at 400°F
- Jumbo meatballs: 25-30 minutes at 400°F
How to Know When Chicken Meatballs Are Done
The most reliable way to check doneness is to use a meat thermometer Chicken meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat This is the USDA recommended temperature for cooked chicken,
Without a thermometer, you can cut open a meatball to check. The meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.
Basic Recipe for Baked Chicken Meatballs
Here’s a simple recipe for baked chicken meatballs:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until just combined
- Form 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until they reach 165°F internally
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving
Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs
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Don’t overmix the meat: This creates tough, dense meatballs. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
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Use lean ground chicken: 93-95% lean ground chicken works best for moist meatballs.
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Let the meatballs rest: After forming the meatballs, let them rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
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Use breadcrumbs properly: Fresh breadcrumbs create softer meatballs than dried ones. If using dried breadcrumbs, consider soaking them in milk or broth first.
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Check for doneness with a thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your meatballs are cooked properly.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken meatballs are extremely versatile and can be served in various ways:
- With pasta and marinara sauce
- In a meatball sub with melted cheese
- On top of a salad for added protein
- With Mediterranean flavors: couscous, tzatziki, and feta
- Asian-inspired: with teriyaki sauce over rice
Storing Leftover Meatballs
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for 3-4 months in a freezer-safe container
To reheat, you can use a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Chicken meatballs are a healthy, versatile protein option that’s perfect for meal prep and family dinners. With the right cooking time and temperature, you can ensure they’re always perfectly juicy and flavorful.
What should I do with leftover chicken meatballs?
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
What makes these the best chicken meatballs?
Some meatball recipes are complicated and messy, but not these! This is the best chicken meatball recipe because:
- They’re easy to prepare—just toss your ingredients together, mix, and bake.
- They’re versatile and can go into so many meals.
- They’re baked—no messy sautéing here!
- You only need one bowl to make them.
- They’re a great meal-prep recipe.
- They can be frozen.
- They’re absolutely delicious!
The Keys to Making Irresistible Chicken Meatballs
FAQ
How long to cook chicken meatballs in oven?
The ideal cooking time for chicken meatballs in the oven typically ranges from 18 to 25 minutes at a temperature of 400°F (200°C). This timeframe can vary based on the size of your meatballs. Smaller meatballs may cook faster, while larger ones may require additional time, so it is important to keep an eye on them as they bake.
How long to cook frozen chicken meatballs?
The recommended cooking time for frozen chicken meatballs is usually longer compared to fresh ones. Generally, frozen chicken meatballs should be cooked at a higher temperature than fresh ones to allow for sufficient cooking time. Typically, frozen chicken meatballs should be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
What temperature should chicken meatballs be cooked at?
To ensure they are perfectly cooked, it’s best to use a meat thermometer. Chicken meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be considered safe to eat. Once they hit this temperature, they are not only safe but juicy and tender as well. What is the best temperature to cook chicken meatballs in the oven?
How do you cook meatballs in the oven?
Preheat the oven to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). Make sure to adjust the temperature according to the size and shape of the meatballs. Prepare the meatballs by mixing the ingredients together, including the meat, binder, seasonings, and any other desired ingredients.
Why do chicken meatballs take longer to cook?
Size and Shape of the Meatballs: Larger meatballs will take longer to cook than smaller ones. Meatballs that are irregularly shaped may also take longer to cook than those that are uniform in shape. Temperature of the Oven: The temperature of the oven will also affect the cooking time for chicken meatballs.
Can you cook chicken meatballs in a crockpot?
No. Unlike with many homemade meatball recipes, like these crockpot turkey meatballs, there’s no searing/stovetop step in this baked chicken meatball recipe. You can place the shaped meatballs right on a lined baking sheet and they’ll be ready to eat in less than half an hour. While they bake, make the simple sauce on the stove.
How long to oven cook chicken meatballs?
Shape into 20 meatballs, and put onto an oiled baking tray. Brush the meatballs with 1½ tbsp oil. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
How to know when chicken meatballs are cooked?
Insert an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; the meatballs are fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer reads the internal temperature as 165°F (74°C). Make the sauce: Place the butter and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook until the butter is fully melted.
Is it better to cook meatballs at 350 or 400?
It is better to bake meatballs at 400°F so they fully cook through while staying moist and tender, with a slight crisp on the outside.Jun 13, 2023
How long do chicken meatballs take to cook in a pan?
Warm the olive oil in a non-stick pan. Fry them in the oil, about eight at a time, for 4-5 minutes until they are crisp and golden-brown on all sides.