Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe
Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids are a game-changer for busy weeknights and picky appetites alike. These bite-sized beauties are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly sized for little hands (or, let’s be honest, for sneaking one for yourself). The chicken keeps them lighter than beef, and the simple seasonings mean they win over even the toughest kid critics. You’ll love how versatile and easy this recipe is— pop them in a lunchbox, serve as a quick dinner, or add them to pasta for a meal everyone will gobble up!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids is in their simplicity—each ingredient is chosen to boost juiciness, flavor, or kid appeal. Gather your basics, and you’re on your way to making a dish that never fails to please.
- Minced chicken (1 pound): The star ingredient, with a mild flavor and tender texture perfect for kids.
- Panko crumbs (1/2 cup): These add fluffy lightness instead of heaviness—essential for soft, golden meatballs.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Soaks into the breadcrumbs to keep every bite extra moist.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances natural chicken flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle savoriness that kids enjoy, without any sharpness.
- Large egg, slightly beaten (1): Binds everything together so the meatballs hold their shape.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the meatballs brown beautifully.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Optional but gives a cheesy boost and savory undertone—omit for sensitive palates.
- Cooking spray: Ensures the meatballs don’t stick to the pan and get that lovely golden finish.
How to Make Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Crank up your oven to 400℉ (200℃) so it’s piping hot and ready. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, then give it a quick mist of non-stick spray. This simple prep step means your Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids come out with perfectly golden bottoms (and makes cleanup a breeze).
Step 2: Mix the Bread Crumb Mixture
In a big mixing bowl, combine your panko crumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, slightly beaten egg, and olive oil. Stir until it forms a thick, slightly damp mixture. Let it hang out for a couple of minutes so the panko can drink up that milk—this is the secret to velvety, not dense, meatballs kids adore!
Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Add the minced chicken right into the hydrated panko mixture, along with the parmesan cheese if you’re using it. Mix until everything comes together. The mixture should feel tacky but not sticky—if you’re skipping the cheese for a picky eater, rest assured these Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids will still bake up absolutely delicious.
Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Portion the mixture evenly to make sure every meatball cooks at the same rate. A cookie scoop works wonders for this, but your hands are your best tool. Wetting your hands helps prevent sticking, so you can easily roll smooth, round meatballs. Try to get 18-20 out of your batch—just the right size for little fingers!
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Transfer your shaped meatballs to the lined baking sheet, spacing them out so they bake evenly. Give the tops a light spritz of non-stick spray—this is the trick for a golden, crisp-topped finish that kids can never resist.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. For that final touch of color, pop on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely so they don’t go too far. Serve warm—with your child’s favorite dipping sauce, tucked into a meatball sub, or tossed with spaghetti. However they land on the table, these will disappear fast!
How to Serve Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids
Garnishes
Even a simple sprinkle of parsley can dress up these meatballs for the table. If your crew likes it, some extra parmesan cheese or a tiny dash of cracked black pepper adds a fun, finishing touch. Just keep it basic, so the flavors shine for small palates.
Side Dishes
For a meal everyone will love, pair your Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids with classics like fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or a pile of steamed green beans. A small bowl of kid-friendly marinara, honey mustard, or ranch for dipping completes the experience!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these meatballs into playful sliders on mini buns, thread them onto skewers for a lunchbox surprise, or serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing. They’re fantastic for snack time spreads, after-school nibbles, or party trays—the possibilities are endless when you have a batch ready to go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids, pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. They stay juicy and tender—perfect for quick lunches or easy next-day dinners.
Freezing
These meatballs are freezer-friendly! Cool them completely, then arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag or container. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw and reheat whenever you need.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, the oven is best: 350℉ for about 10 minutes brings them back to life, straight from the fridge. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, but be gentle to avoid drying them out. Either way, your Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids will remain juicy and delicious!
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs without cheese?
Absolutely! The parmesan is optional and the meatballs still come together beautifully without it. This is a great tweak for families avoiding dairy or for extra-sensitive kiddo tastes.
What kind of dipping sauces go best?
Marinara and ranch are big winners with kids, but honey mustard or even simple ketchup make fun partners. Let your little ones pick their favorites for dipping—sometimes the right sauce makes all the difference!
How can I make these gluten-free?
Just substitute your favorite gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs. Everything else in the Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids recipe stays the same, and the results are still tender and tasty!
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works well and keeps the same light, kid-friendly texture. The flavors are similar, so swap away if that’s what you have on hand.
Are these meatballs good for toddlers?
Definitely! These are soft, easy to chew, and not heavily seasoned—ideal for toddlers just starting finger foods. You can cut them up even smaller for little eaters to enjoy safely.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that ticks all the family boxes, give Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids a try. They’re nourishing, versatile, and totally customizable to your kids’ tastebuds. With simple ingredients and a stress-free process, this recipe is bound to become a staple at your table!
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Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These ground chicken meatballs are a hit with kids and adults alike. They are tender, flavorful, and easy to make, making them a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 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 Serving:
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Step 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 spray to ensure the meatballs don’t stick while baking.
- Step 2: Mix the Bread Crumb Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, milk, kosher salt, garlic powder, egg, and olive oil. Stir the ingredients together and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the bread crumbs to absorb the liquid and become more cohesive.
- Step 3: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Add the ground chicken and optional parmesan cheese to the soaked bread crumb mixture. Mix everything until it comes together into a cohesive meatball mixture. Omit the parmesan if desired.
- Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Portion out the meatball mixture into evenly sized portions. Roll into smooth balls, aiming for 18-20 meatballs. Wetting hands can prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Place meatballs on the baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with non-stick spray for a golden finish.
- Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake at 400℉ for 20 minutes. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes. Serve with dipping sauce or pasta. Enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- These meatballs freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ground chicken meatballs, kid-friendly recipes, easy meatball recipe
