Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe

Introduction

These ground chicken meatballs are a wholesome and kid-friendly meal option that’s both tasty and easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and a baked finish, they’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Cooking spray (like Pam)
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a lighter texture)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 large egg (preferably organic)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, egg, and olive oil. Stir well and let the mixture sit for a few minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the liquid and become cohesive.
3. Step 3: Add the ground chicken and parmesan cheese (optional) to the soaked breadcrumb mixture. Mix thoroughly until you have a uniform meatball mixture.
4. Step 4: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out 18-20 evenly sized meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
5. Step 5: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with non-stick cooking spray to help them brown nicely during baking.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. For extra golden browned tops, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a pasta dish or sandwich.

Tips & Variations

• If your kids are picky eaters, you can omit the parmesan cheese without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs cook evenly and look uniform.
• Try swapping panko breadcrumbs for whole wheat breadcrumbs to add more fiber.
• Serve meatballs with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard to keep meals fun and flavorful.

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℉ for about 10 minutes or microwave until heated through. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, beef, or pork if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times and fat content may vary slightly.

Can these meatballs be cooked on the stovetop instead of baking?

Absolutely. You can pan-fry the meatballs in a little oil over medium heat, turning frequently until browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 75 reviews

These Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids are a flavorful and healthy baked dish, perfect for family meals. Made with lean ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs, they are seasoned lightly and baked to a golden finish, offering a kid-friendly, moist, and tender bite. They can be served on their own with dipping sauces or paired with spaghetti or sandwiches for versatile meal options.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Cooking spray (like Pam)
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a lighter texture)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 large egg (preferably organic)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the 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 while baking.
2. Mix the Bread Crumb Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, egg, and olive oil. Stir well and let the mixture 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 grated Parmesan cheese to the soaked bread crumb mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients come together in a cohesive mixture. Parmesan can be omitted if preferred for picky eaters.
4. Shape the Meatballs: Portion the mixture into 18-20 evenly sized meatballs using a cookie scoop or by hand. Wet your hands slightly to make rolling easier and form smooth, uniform balls.
5. Prepare for Baking: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with non-stick spray to help achieve a golden brown finish.
6. Bake and Serve: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For extra browning, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Serve the meatballs with your choice of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard, or add them to spaghetti or sandwiches.

Notes

• Wetting your hands slightly helps when rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
• Parmesan cheese is optional and can be omitted for children who are picky eaters.
• Non-stick spray on the baking sheet and meatballs helps to achieve an even golden brown crust.
• Watch carefully when broiling to prevent the meatballs from burning.
• Meatballs can be served with a variety of sauces or used in multiple dishes like pasta or subs.

Keywords: ground chicken meatballs, kid-friendly meatballs, baked chicken meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, low fat meatballs