Ground Chicken Meatballs

Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids are the perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners. These simple, homemade meatballs deliver kid-approved flavor with healthy ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

I stumbled onto this recipe during one of those hectic after-school evenings when my kids needed dinner fast and I needed something nutritious they’d actually eat. I mixed ground chicken with pantry staples, popped them in the oven, and within 30 minutes had golden, tender meatballs that disappeared from their plates. No battles, no complaints. Now these baked chicken meatballs show up on my meal plan every single week because they’re genuinely foolproof. The panko breadcrumbs keep them light and fluffy while the parmesan adds savory depth without overwhelming young taste buds. Whether you serve them with marinara for dipping or toss them into spaghetti, these ground chicken meatballs for kids deliver protein-packed comfort food that makes everyone happy.

What You’ll Need for These Kid-Friendly Meatballs

Pro tip: I always use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of the pre-grated kind because it melts better and adds more flavor. The texture also binds the meatballs together more effectively.

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a lighter, airier texture)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
• 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 large egg (preferably organic or free-range)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Cooking spray (like Pam or any non-stick spray)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Meatballs

I recommend wetting your hands slightly before rolling each meatball. This simple trick prevents the mixture from sticking to your palms and helps you create smooth, evenly shaped balls.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, egg, and olive oil. Stir everything together with a fork and let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes. This resting time allows the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid, which keeps your meatballs moist and tender instead of dry.

Step 3: Add ground chicken and grated parmesan cheese to the soaked breadcrumb mixture. Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix or your meatballs will turn out tough. The mixture should feel slightly sticky and hold together when you squeeze a small amount.

Step 4: Portion the meatball mixture into 18-20 evenly sized pieces. A small cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) creates perfectly uniform meatballs that cook at the same rate. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls. If the mixture sticks to your hands, dampen them with a little water.

Step 5: Arrange the rolled meatballs on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray. This helps them develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior.

Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The meatballs should register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer when fully cooked. For an extra golden finish, turn your broiler to high for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch them closely so they don’t burn.

Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve them plain with your kids’ favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard. You can also toss them with spaghetti and sauce or pile them into meatball subs.

What to Serve with These Chicken Meatballs

These ground chicken meatballs for kids pair perfectly with simple sides that round out the meal.

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce: The classic pairing never fails. Toss these meatballs with your favorite jarred or homemade marinara and serve over al dente spaghetti for a complete dinner.

Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: A simple vegetable side adds color and nutrition to the plate. The mild flavor won’t compete with the meatballs.

Garlic Bread: Kids love having something to dip, and crusty garlic bread soaks up any extra sauce beautifully.

Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with crunchy romaine adds freshness and crunch that balances the soft, tender meatballs.

More Chicken Dishes Your Kids Will Love

These ground chicken meatballs for kids pair beautifully with other simple, family-friendly chicken recipes that make weeknight dinners stress-free. For another kid-approved favorite, try our tender Bok Choy Chicken Soup that sneaks in vegetables without complaints, or warm up with our comforting Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup that’s perfect for cold evenings.

When you need more easy protein options, consider serving these meatballs alongside our flavorful Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice Stack, aromatic Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup, or crowd-pleasing Hot Honey Feta Chicken for variety throughout the week.

How to Store Your Leftover Meatballs

Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually taste even better the next day after the flavors have time to meld.

To reheat, place meatballs in a covered dish and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them on medium power in 30-second intervals, though they won’t be quite as crispy. Add a splash of water or broth to the container to keep them moist during reheating.

Pro tip: These meatballs freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and remove as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cooking Questions Answered

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