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Baked Basil Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 74 reviews

These Baked Basil Chicken Meatballs are a juicy, flavorful, and healthy twist on the classic meatball. Made with lean ground chicken, fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are baked to perfection for a tender and savory result. They’re perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served over pasta or salad. This recipe combines fresh herbs and creamy Greek yogurt for added moisture and tang, making every bite deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • ½ cup basil leaves, finely chopped (reserve a few for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon oregano leaves, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (plus more for serving)
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

For Baking

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the meatballs evenly.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced onion, egg, garlic, chopped basil, and oregano. Add the Greek yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a rubber spatula until the ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Add the Binders and Form Meatballs: Add the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture, stirring until evenly mixed. Using tablespoon-sized portions, roll the mixture into approximately 15 to 16 meatballs.
  4. Prepare Baking Sheet and Bake: Lightly grease a baking sheet with a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the meatballs in a single, even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
  5. Serve the Meatballs: Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried oregano works well if fresh is unavailable.
  • Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety.
  • These meatballs can be served with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own as an appetizer.
  • If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or regular plain yogurt can be substituted.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Keywords: baked chicken meatballs, basil chicken meatballs, healthy meatball recipe, baked meatballs, Italian chicken meatballs

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/baked-basil-chicken-meatballs-recipe/