Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
