Italian Chicken Meatballs – baked chicken meatballs coated in marinara sauce. They make for the perfect appetizer or even dinner. You can even make ahead and freeze!
I am a sucker for meatballs, I always have been. One of my new favorite ways to make them is this Instant Pot Meatballs recipe. They just turn out so tender and juicy. You could definitely follow that method with this recipe for delicious chicken meatballs.
Meatballs make for a classic appetizer, but they are obviously good on pasta as well. You can even make Meatball Subs with them as well!
What You’ll Need
- Ground Chicken
- Italian Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic
- Egg
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt & Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Marinara Sauce
I like to toss these meatballs with marinara sauce and have in a crockpot ready for a get together. But you can easily toss them with warm sauce and serve for dinner.
How To Make Italian Chicken Meatballs
- In a bowl mix together all of the ingredients for the meatballs, just leave out the actual marinara sauce.
- Form them into golf ball sized meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a hot oven for about 15 minutes, until they are cooked through.
- Add them to a crockpot or stockpot filled with marinara sauce to keep them warm or serve immediately with warmed marinara sauce.
How To Serve Chicken Meatballs
- Serve with toothpicks in a crockpot for a party.
- Serve on hot dog or sub buns for sandwiches
- Serve over pasta for a complete meal
- Turn into Spaghetti & Meatball Pizza
Make Ahead
Meatballs are great to make ahead. You can freeze baked meatballs in a freezer safe plastic bag. Then you can reheat in sauce in a crockpot or you can bake partially thawed meatballs in a 350º F oven, until they are warmed through.
Recipe Variations
Meatballs are super versatile and you can flavor them any way you like, and mix up the sauce!
- Make Barbecue Chicken Meatballs – just eliminate the Italian seasoning called for and use plain breadcrumbs.
- Craving Asian food? These Asian Chicken Meatballs are a fun twist.
- Skip the marinara sauce and serve with Canes Sauce or another delicious dipping sauce.
- Turn these into Buffalo Chicken Meatballs – use plain breadcrumbs, skip the Italian seasoning, mix in 1 tsp of celery salt and a packet of ranch dressing mix. Then after they are baked toss with your favorite buffalo sauce.

More Easy Appetizer Recipes
- Ham and Cheese Roll Ups
- Baked Mexican Cheese Dip
- Avocado Bruschetta
- Cheesy Corn Dip
- Chili Cheese Dip
- French Dip Sliders
- Baked Goat Cheese Dip
- Cheesy Sausage Wonton Cups
Italian Chicken Meatballs

Tender Italian chicken meatballs in a marinara sauce. Great for sandwiches, pasta, or appetizers
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cloves garlic, grated
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, ,lightly beaten
- Marinara Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º F.
- Combine all of the ingredients except the marinara sauce in a large bowl.
- Shape into golf-ball sized balls. Place in a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Place meatballs and sauce in a crockpot or large pot to keep them warm and heat the sauce.
- Set on warm until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
12 ServingsAmount Per Serving Calories 135Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 59mgSodium 363mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 12g
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Ramona says
Okay.. it’s just 7am… and I’m wiping drool off my face. I love MEATBALLS! These would be gone before you could blink if I was around. 🙂 Wonderful!
steph@stephsbitebybite says
I could easily go for a plate of these!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
OH i love that you used chicken!! I’ve never done that before.
The Café Sucré Farine says
I would be disappointed when the last one was gone too. I might have hidden one or two though to enjoy for lunch all by myself. 🙂 They look just wonderful!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Italian-style meatballs are my favorite, perfect Super Bowl appetizer!
Tracey says
Oh man, this is totally what I needed with the surplus of ground chicken in my freezer right now. Definitely great party food too!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Wish I was having this for dinner!
a farmer in the dell says
I love how easy these are! They really will be perfect for Super Bowl!
Suzanne says
Looks really tasty Erin, I love meatballs like this for sandwiches and snacking.
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Fabulous meatballs, Erin! I love how versatile they can be. But most of all, I love that they can be prepared in the crock pot! : )
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
I’ve been looking for a good chicken meatball recipe. . .these will be making an appearance in my kitchen soon!
Lisa {AuthenticSuburbanGourmet} says
Nothing better than popping these little delights into your mouth. I bet they did not last long. TASTY!!!!
Jen Laceda @ Tartine and Apron Strings says
How come it takes me hours to make meatballs? I think I may be the slowest meatball roller in the whole wide world! LOL. Yours are so perfect, though. I want to take a bite. NOW.
Beth says
I love this recipe. It’s so fast and easy, and I’m able to serve it to my friends who are watching their cholesterol intake WITHOUT sacrificing flavor.
Erik says
So great as an app or part of dinner. Love that versatility!
Amanda says
I will definitely be making these at the next party we have!!
Sandra says
These meatballs are perfect appetizer or dinner! So flavorful and juicy!
Catalina says
My family goes crazy over meatballs. I should try this chicken version!