Description
Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs are juicy, zesty, and packed with bright citrus flavor and a peppery kick. Made with lean ground chicken and baked to perfection, they’re ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or appetizers. Serve them with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a fresh and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Baking
- Olive oil spray for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, cracked black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently mix until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form meatballs: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly spray or brush the meatballs with olive oil to promote browning and prevent drying out during baking.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until they turn golden and are fully cooked through. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra lemon wedges, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a drizzle of lemony yogurt sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, substitute almond flour in place of breadcrumbs.
- These meatballs freeze well; cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container.
- Reheat frozen meatballs in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
