Juicy Baked Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 medium yellow onion, grated
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, parsley, egg, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dry meatballs.
3. Shape Meatballs: Using a small scoop or tablespoon, portion out the mixture and gently roll into meatballs.
4. Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil.
5. Arrange Meatballs: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about ½ inch apart. Generously spray the meatballs with olive oil.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite pasta sauce, marinara sauce, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough, dry meatballs.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs help create a crispy outer layer and a moist interior.
• Grate the Onion: Grating the onion releases its juices, which help keep the meatballs moist.
• Watch the Baking Time: Don't overbake the meatballs. Remove them from the oven as soon as they are cooked through to prevent them from drying out.

Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make baked chicken meatballs!