Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe

Introduction

These ground chicken meatballs are a perfect kid-friendly meal that’s easy to make and packed with gentle flavors. Baked to golden perfection, they’re great on their own or paired with pasta and sauce. This recipe is simple, wholesome, and sure to please even picky eaters.

Ingredients

• 1 pound minced chicken
• 1/2 cup panko crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg (slightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking while baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine panko crumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, beaten egg, and olive oil. Stir well and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the liquid and become cohesive.
3. Step 3: Add the ground chicken and grated parmesan cheese to the soaked bread crumb mixture. Mix everything together until it forms a cohesive meatball mixture. If you prefer, you can omit the parmesan for picky eaters.
4. Step 4: Portion out the meatball mixture into 18-20 evenly sized balls to ensure even cooking. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniform sizes. Wetting your hands slightly will make rolling easier and prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Place the rolled meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray. This helps them develop a nice golden brown finish while baking.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For an extra golden color, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard, or add them to spaghetti or meatball subs.

Tips & Variations

• Omit the parmesan cheese if your kids are sensitive to strong flavors; the meatballs will still be tasty and moist.
• Use a cookie scoop to form evenly sized meatballs that cook uniformly.
• Lightly wet your hands before rolling to prevent the mixture from sticking.
• Try adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor without overwhelming delicate palates.
• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to accommodate different tastes and keep mealtime fun.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave, but the oven will help maintain their texture better. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of panko?

Yes, regular bread crumbs can be used, but panko tends to give meatballs a lighter, airier texture. If using regular crumbs, the meatballs might be a bit denser.

Can these meatballs be made without baking?

While baking is an easy and healthy option, you can also cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until browned and cooked through. Just be sure to turn them gently to avoid breaking.

Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 73 reviews

These Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids are a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make recipe perfect for family meals. Baked to golden perfection, they are tender, juicy, and packed with mild seasonings, making them ideal for picky eaters. Serve them with dipping sauces or incorporate them into pasta dishes or subs for a kid-friendly dinner everyone will love.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 18–20 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound minced chicken
• 1/2 cup panko crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg (slightly beaten)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

For Baking

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking during baking.
2. Mix the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the panko crumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, beaten egg, and olive oil. Stir the mixture well and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the liquid and become cohesive.
3. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Add the ground chicken and the optional parmesan cheese to the soaked breadcrumb mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined into a uniform meatball mixture. Omitting the parmesan is fine if catering to picky eaters.
4. Shape the Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into about 18-20 evenly sized portions to ensure even cooking. Roll each portion into smooth balls, wetting your hands slightly if needed to prevent sticking.
5. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Lightly spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray to promote a golden brown finish while baking.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For extra color, place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve warm with dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard, or as part of spaghetti or meatball subs. Enjoy!

Notes

• Letting the bread crumbs soak in liquid before adding meat ensures juicy, tender meatballs.
• Using a cookie scoop helps create uniform meatballs for even cooking.
• Wetting your hands while rolling prevents sticking and makes shaping easier.
• Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice golden crust.
• Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for picky eaters.
• These meatballs can be frozen cooked or uncooked for meal prep.

Keywords: ground chicken meatballs, kid-friendly meatballs, baked chicken meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy meatball recipe, chicken dinner, family meal