Chicken Meatballs
I use my own simple whole wheat bread to make fresh crumbs in a food processor so use a soft whole wheat bread, crusts removed. No food processor? Just cut the bread into small pieces. For the softest meatballs it's best to cook them in spaghetti sauce. - Jenny Jones
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Makes: 12-14 meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh whole wheat bread crumbs (2 slices)
- 1/4 cup milk (I use 1%)
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian spices (try my seasoning mix)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt + pepper to taste
- 1 pound ground chicken breast
Instructions:
- Have your spaghetti sauce cooking on the stove. (try my )
- In a food processor pulse bread to make soft crumbs.
- Place crumbs in a bowl and add remaining ingredients (except chicken) starting with milk. Combine well.
- Add chicken, mixing gently by hand. Shape into 2-inch balls and place gently into the sauce. Cook, covered or uncovered, for 20 minutes. If meatballs are not submerged, gently turn them after 10 minutes. They are done at 165° F.
Notes: For more on this recipe, including a link to my homemade sauce and how to pan-fry or oven-bake, Click here.
Leave a Comment
Connie ONeill
September 22, 2019 at 11:00 pm
I love to make meatballs and love to make your chicken or turkey meatballs in sauce but do not have a food processor to grind the whole wheat bread for breadcrumbs. Can i just crumble the bread with my hands?
Reply to this comment
Jenny Can Cook
September 23, 2019 at 11:29 am
I suggest cutting the bread into very small pieces.
Reply to this comment
Cathy Smith
June 13, 2020 at 1:46 pm
I use my vita mix or any blender and pulse the bread 2 cups at a time. works well and not a whole food processor to clean up.
Reply to this comment
Chris
August 10, 2017 at 6:26 pm
Looking for recipes that have no cheese or dairy. I can substitute milk with silk or almond milk. I’ve found no substitute for the cheeses
Reply to this comment
Samona
November 27, 2018 at 7:43 pm
I make meatballs all the time i just skip cheese!
Reply to this comment
Tony Trapp
January 17, 2017 at 1:15 am
Thanks Jenny for the simple recipes thats what I want simple not complicated
I want to make whole wheat bread and after that I want to make whole wheat pasta but I could not find the recipe.
If you have a simple recipe, please post it, thank you….huuugs
Reply to this comment
Barbo
January 13, 2017 at 6:14 pm
Dear Jenny,
I had a lb. of frozen chicken tenders from Cost Co. I defrosted them in fridge,
then put in Cuisinart with 1/4 c. peanut oil and ground them.
Followed your recipe from that point on. What a delicious soft meatball
dish. Thanks for your continuing work. I am 84 and still cooking and looking
for new ways.Reply to this comment
Lisa
April 9, 2020 at 1:21 pm
While this was very different from the recipe, I can see how it would work pretty well. No need for bread crumbs, since the tenders were breaded already. Intriguing.
Reply to this comment
aniket
August 13, 2016 at 10:55 am
it didn’t work
Reply to this comment
Jenny
August 13, 2016 at 11:16 am
Please let me know all of the ingredients you used and your method and I should be able to figure out why. I make these all the time with consistent results and I want everyone to have success with my recipes.
Reply to this comment
Lori
March 6, 2017 at 1:13 pm
This is my third time making them. They are beyond delicious!!
Reply to this comment
DIXY_DORIS
August 2, 2016 at 1:49 am
Jennry its my first time lookin at one of ur videos i saw the meat loaf one and i was eager to make it and then i also saw this one of the meatballs and i couldnt decide what to pick what should i do 🙂 thnx ur the best…
Reply to this comment
Roslyn
July 21, 2016 at 3:40 am
Fabulous chicken meatballs! Made this especially satisfying recipe last evening and they went over like a rocket to the moon! Cannot thank you enough for all your tips and information, and your diverse, healthy recipes (I especially appreciate the recipe transcripts). Hope all is well with you; you were missed . . . .
Reply to this comment
Tami Lynn
July 20, 2016 at 1:13 am
Hi Jenny, I cant believe your back I am so excited to see another fabulous recipe from you. I cant wait to make it. I think you have really great amd exciting recipes. Please keep your recipes coming.
Reply to this comment
Kryshia
July 19, 2016 at 3:27 pm
Hi Jenny so glad your back was wondering if your ok ? was so refreshing to see your email , I will make the chicken meatballs , they look so good , missed you tons .
Reply to this comment
Patti
July 19, 2016 at 3:14 pm
Girl, your pierogi recipe rocked!! As a polish princess, it was a must have! Best dough ever! I made the most beautiful pierogis I have ever made, thanks to you. Thank you!
Reply to this comment
Gerri
July 18, 2016 at 11:38 am
I’m so glad you’re back . I’m 73 when I see your recipes it wants me to keep cooking, their easy.
Reply to this comment
Mary Kumuda Sujay
July 18, 2016 at 7:33 am
I am from Bangalore, India. I am so glad you are back with more recipes. Love your videos! I have tried your lemon brownies and the family have enjoyed them. Thank you and looking forward to more!
Reply to this comment
Earlee
July 18, 2016 at 6:57 am
So glad you’re back missed you and your recipes and looking forward to seeing more of your recipes including the salmon croquettes
Reply to this comment
Yoly T.
July 17, 2016 at 8:09 pm
Looks good. Having company this week end, that will be my dish. Thank you Jenny.
Reply to this comment
Mary
July 17, 2016 at 8:07 pm
I love using ground chicken in recipes. I will be making this soon as I recently purchased a pkg. of grd. chicken. Thank you for the recipes, they are all great!
Reply to this comment
Laura
July 17, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Jenny
When I commented, I applauded your lemon brownies, but I must tell you my friends and family love your salmon croquettes,
Glad that you are back, and really appreciate your recipes.
LauraReply to this comment
Julia
July 17, 2016 at 7:40 pm
WOW…….SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU BACK. MISSED YOUR RECIPES.
PLEASE, PLEASE MAKE MORE VIDEOS, LOVE THEM!Reply to this comment
Bobbi
July 18, 2016 at 7:49 am
YES! Love your videos, love you!!
Reply to this comment
Christina
July 17, 2016 at 5:55 pm
Look delicious, will try and thanks.
Reply to this comment
Maureen
July 17, 2016 at 5:17 pm
Can you use ground turkey instead of the chicken? Or will it change the taste? Thanks, missed you…love your recipes and videos!
Reply to this comment
Jenny
July 21, 2016 at 2:29 pm
I have only made this recipe with chicken breast so it may depend on the type of turkey, white or dark. I guess you will just have to test it out.
Reply to this comment
Pam
July 17, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Glad to see you back!! Will definitely try this recipe!
Reply to this comment
pat jacobson
July 17, 2016 at 3:19 pm
can i use beef instead for the same result
Reply to this comment
Jenny
July 17, 2016 at 3:29 pm
It’s best to use my Spaghetti & Meatballs recipe, which is very similar but also proven (and easy!) https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/quick-easy-spaghetti-meatballs/
Reply to this comment
SGB
July 17, 2016 at 3:18 pm
Love your videos!
Reply to this comment
Terri
July 17, 2016 at 3:17 pm
Thanks Jenny!!! Glad to see you back, missed you!
Reply to this comment
Sharon
July 17, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Thanks and glad you’re back! I look forward to your posts.
Reply to this comment
Monica
July 17, 2016 at 2:36 pm
So great to hear from you again 🙂 Thanks for this meatball recipe!
Reply to this comment
Kellie65
July 17, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Hey…great to see an email from you!!
The meatballs look awesome–will try them soon. Thanks!!Reply to this comment
Jeanne
July 17, 2016 at 2:13 pm
I wondered where you were and missed you! Now you are back! Yeaaaaa. I forgot about those wonderful Lemon Brownies. Going to whip up some. I have never cooked with Ground Chicken. Giving these a second look!
Reply to this comment
snperch
July 17, 2016 at 1:53 pm
In place of milk, use reconstituted non-dairy coffee creamer.
Reply to this comment
delicious
July 17, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Thank you so much ,I was looking for something different from beef, I will certainly try this ,,I’m french so excuses the faults, please
Reply to this comment
Laura
July 17, 2016 at 1:25 pm
I am so glad that you are back,
I will try the recipe and I do change your recipes because I do not mix meat with dairy.
All of us need great recipes for the chicken breast, I will use some water to make it moist.
Out here, there is a craze of beef/chicken blend of chopped meat, but it is not has healthy as yours.
I have some chicken breasts in the freezer, could I defrost and put in the Cusinart?
Love Love Love your lemon brownie recipe, it has, been a big hit here!Reply to this comment
Jenny
July 21, 2016 at 2:31 pm
I have never ground my own chicken so check online to see if it should be thawed or partially thawed.
Reply to this comment
Joy
July 17, 2016 at 12:29 pm
This looks like a good recipe.
Do you think I can make the meatballs out of ground beef, also?
Would cooking time need to be longer?Joy
Reply to this comment
Jenny
July 17, 2016 at 1:28 pm
In that case just use my Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe. https://www.jennycancook.com/recipes/quick-easy-spaghetti-meatballs/
Reply to this comment
olinda
July 17, 2016 at 12:23 pm
so glad you are back missed your great recipes
Reply to this comment
Nita
July 17, 2016 at 11:44 am
This sounds wonderful, can hardly wait to try the recipe
Reply to this comment
Meg
July 17, 2016 at 11:14 am
Those meatballs look so good! ?
Reply to this comment
Leave a Comment
Want to share your photo of my recipe?
Just click on this link: YourPhotos@JennyCanCook.com.
