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For these flavorful meatballs, you need simple, tasty items. Here’s what to gather: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated parmesan cheese - ¼ cup finely chopped parsley - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup marinara sauce (for dipping) These ingredients come together to make a dish kids will love! Want to make these meatballs even better? Try these add-ins: - ¼ cup finely chopped bell peppers for crunch - ¼ cup grated carrots for sweetness - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat These options can help you customize the flavor to please your kids. Sometimes, you may need to swap out ingredients. Here are some easy substitutes: - Instead of ground chicken, use ground turkey for a leaner option. - If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats work well. - For dairy-free diets, try nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. These swaps keep the dish kid-friendly while making it work for your pantry! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the bowl. Next, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs. This helps bind the meatballs. Then, sprinkle in ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese for flavor. Chop ¼ cup of parsley finely and add it in. Now, add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. These spices add a nice taste. Then, include 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Finally, crack in 1 large egg. Mix everything well with your hands or a spoon. Ensure all ingredients are combined. With the mixture ready, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1 inch wide. You should make around 20 meatballs. Once shaped, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the meatballs in the skillet. Don't overcrowd them; it’s best to cook them in batches. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate. Serving these meatballs is simple and fun! Place them on a colorful plate. Add a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Kids love to dip their food! You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice look. These meatballs go great with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad. You can make a whole meal out of them or serve them as snacks. Enjoy! To make meatballs kid-friendly, keep the flavors simple. Avoid strong spices that kids might not like. Use ingredients like breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to add a nice texture. You can even let your kids help mix the meatballs. They will enjoy the process and feel proud of their creation. Shape small meatballs, about one inch wide. Small sizes are easier for little hands to manage. Cooking meatballs well is key to getting them just right. Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. This gives the meatballs a nice golden color. Cook them in batches to avoid crowding. If they are too close, they may not cook evenly. Each batch should take about five to seven minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165°F inside. This ensures they are safe to eat. To enhance flavor, use mild herbs and spices. Italian seasoning brings warmth without being too strong. Garlic powder and onion powder add taste but not too much kick. Fresh parsley gives a bright touch and makes the meatballs look nice. If your kids like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes in your mix. Just a bit will give flavor without being overwhelming. Always serve with marinara sauce for dipping. It adds fun and flavor! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs. If available, consider using fresh herbs for a better taste. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined for a tender result. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs are fully cooked. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Batch Cooking: These meatballs freeze well. Cook a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later! {{image_2}} You can add some spice to these meatballs for adults. Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. A teaspoon works well. You can also mix in smoked paprika for a nice, smoky flavor. This gives the dish a deeper taste. Don’t forget cayenne pepper if you want more kick. Just a pinch goes a long way! Sauces make meals fun! For kids, serve these meatballs with marinara sauce. It’s sweet and tasty. You can also try honey mustard for a different twist. Another favorite is BBQ sauce. Kids love the sweet and tangy flavor. Ground chicken is great for more than meatballs. You can make tasty tacos using the same mixture. Just add taco seasoning and serve with tortillas. Ground chicken also works for burgers. Just form patties instead of meatballs. Grill or pan-fry them until golden brown. This adds variety to your meals while keeping things kid-friendly! To store leftover meatballs, first let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating meatballs, you want them to stay moist. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Just put a few on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes. To freeze meatballs, first, cool them completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for about one hour. This step prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Label the bag and store for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use ground turkey in this recipe. Turkey is lean and works well. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty. Both meats cook in a similar way, so no changes are needed in the cooking steps. Several sides go great with these meatballs. Here are some ideas: - Spaghetti: A classic choice. - Steamed veggies: Broccoli or carrots add great color. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy and filling. - Rice: White or brown rice complements the meatballs nicely. - Salad: A fresh side can balance the meal. To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands are available in stores. You can also make your own from gluten-free bread. Just toast it, then blend it to crumbs. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Enjoy your gluten-free meatballs! This article covered how to make kid-approved ground chicken meatballs. I shared main ingredients, optional add-ins, and substitutes. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, shaping, and cooking. We discussed tips to make meatballs kid-friendly and enhancing flavor. Variations included different spices and alternative dishes like tacos. In the end, these meatballs can be a fun meal. Enjoy mixing flavors while serving your family tasty dishes.

Kid-Approved Ground Chicken

Delicious and easy meatballs made with ground chicken, perfect for kids.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.5 cup marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20 meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve the meatballs warm with marinara sauce for dipping on the side.

Notes

Arrange the meatballs on a colorful plate with a small bowl of marinara in the center. Garnish with a sprig of parsley for a fresh touch!
Keyword ground chicken, kid-friendly, meatballs