Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful dinner that’s both comforting and light, then you’re going to absolutely love this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe. These meatballs are juicy, tender, and bursting with fresh herbs topped off with a zingy, garlicky lemon butter that makes every bite sing. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to meal for busy weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a beautifully balanced meal—lean ground chicken keeps it light, while the fresh herbs and lemon butter punch up the flavor. Shopping tip: fresh herbs really make a difference here, so if you can, avoid dried substitutes for the finishing butter sauce.

• Ground chicken: I usually grab 94% lean for the best juicy texture without extra grease.
• Egg: Acts as the binder so your meatballs hold their shape perfectly.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to the mix.
• Worcestershire sauce: A secret little umami surprise that deepens the flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian seasoned; they soak up moisture and help texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Gives that salty, savory punch we all crave.
• Garlic: Both minced in the meatballs and butter sauce for that fragrant aroma.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Onion powder and dried oregano: Layered spices that complement the fresh herbs nicely.
• Fresh parsley, thyme, and oregano: These herbs in the butter sauce add brightness and freshness.
• Unsalted butter: The base for that luscious lemon herb butter sauce.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings acidity to cut through the richness.
• Optional crushed red pepper flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle on before serving.

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played with flavors and tweaks based on what we had at home, and it’s always a hit. Feel free to customize to fit your taste buds or dietary needs!

• Spicy Kick: I like adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne to the meat mixture to heat things up—works like a charm!
• Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones or crushed nuts to keep the meatballs tender.
• Herb Swap: If you don’t have fresh oregano or thyme, fresh basil or cilantro also makes a delicious twist.
• Cheese Variation: Try swapping parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Meatball Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick spray so your meatballs don’t stick—this little step saves you hassle later. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, and chopped parsley. I like to use a big spoon or spatula to mix everything gently but thoroughly. Don’t overwork the meat; it helps keep the texture tender and moist.

Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms into a nice ball. I usually do this on my kitchen counter to keep them uniform. You’ll end up with roughly 35 meatballs. Place them spaced out on the baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You want to check doneness with an instant-read thermometer—the magic temp is 165°F (74°C). This ensures safety and juicy meatballs without dryness.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Herb Butter Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and cook for about a minute until fragrant—watch closely so the garlic doesn’t brown! Then, remove from heat and mix in finely chopped parsley, thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt. This sauce is what really lifts these meatballs from great to memorable.

Step 4: Brush Your Meatballs and Serve

As soon as the meatballs come out of the oven, brush or spoon the lemon herb butter all over them for that glossy, irresistible finish. If you love a little heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. Serve them warm right away over your favorite pasta or zucchini noodles. I sometimes pour extra sauce on top or serve it on the side for dunking.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these meatballs with extra chopped fresh parsley for a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes a dusting of parmesan cheese on top adds a savory depth. And if you’re like me and crave a little kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes really wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing is a simple bowl of spaghetti tossed with olive oil and garlic or zucchini noodles for a light option. Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also work brilliantly to complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve these meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks for easy snacking, drizzled with extra lemon herb butter sauce. They also make fantastic sliders inside mini buns with a smear of mayo and arugula—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to store extra lemon herb butter sauce separately or poured on top to keep them moist.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I recommend shaping and freezing the raw meatballs on a tray first, then transferring them to freezer bags. Alternatively, you can freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in freezer-safe containers—either way, they thaw quickly for a perfect ready-made meal.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. To keep them juicy, brush on a little extra lemon herb butter sauce or cover with foil while reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Herb Butter Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers comfort without heaviness, flavor without fuss, and always gets compliments from everyone at the table. I truly hope you’ll try it soon and make it your own. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual get-together, these meatballs bring warmth and brightness to any meal—just like a good friend in your kitchen.

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