Juicy Michael Symon Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Chicken Meatballs Recipe by Michael Symon That Are Juicy and Flavorful

Michael Symon’s chicken meatballs dance with vibrant, unexpected flavor profiles that redefine ground poultry cuisine.

These protein-packed spheres of deliciousness blend lean meat with carefully curated seasonings for an explosive taste experience.

Effortless preparation meets gourmet results, transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Selecting premium components and mastering subtle mixing techniques guarantees incredibly tender, succulent morsels.

The harmonious combination of fresh herbs and crisp breadcrumbs crafts a texture that elevates simple chicken to culinary art.

Weeknight cooking becomes a joyful adventure with these lightning-fast meatballs that promise maximum satisfaction in minimal time.

Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress dinner companions with this mouthwatering creation that turns ordinary meals into memorable feasts.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs

For Binding and Moisture:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Choose Japanese-style breadcrumbs for superior crispiness and light texture.
  • Milk: Select whole milk for richer binding and enhanced tenderness.
For Protein and Base:
  • Ground Chicken: Pick fresh, lean ground chicken with balanced fat content for juicy meatballs.
  • Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for optimal mixing and binding.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Worcestershire Sauce: Opt for aged Parmesan and high-quality Worcestershire for depth of flavor.
  • Garlic, Onion Powder: Select fresh, fragrant garlic and premium onion powder for robust seasoning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for superior taste profile.
  • Smoked Paprika: Choose authentic Spanish smoked paprika for authentic smoky undertones.
For Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for light coating and subtle flavor enhancement.
  • Parchment Paper: Use unbleached, non-stick parchment paper for easy cleanup and even cooking.

Cooking Tools for Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all meatball ingredients without messy spills.
  • Small bowl: Great for creating the Panko panade mixture and softening breadcrumbs.
  • Medium cookie scoop or spoon: Helps create uniform, consistently sized meatballs for even cooking.
  • Baking sheet: Essential for roasting meatballs with easy cleanup.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes removing meatballs a breeze.
  • Olive oil spray: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior on the meatballs.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Grater: For preparing fresh Parmesan cheese and adding extra flavor.

How to Make Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs

How to Make Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs
  • Warm Up the Cooking Space

Get your oven ready at a toasty 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for hassle-free cooking.

  • Create Flavor Magic

Blend Panko breadcrumbs with milk, letting them mingle and soften for a few minutes to help hold the chicken meatballs together with maximum juiciness.

  • Mix and Meld Ingredients

In a spacious bowl, combine ground chicken with eggs, garlic, Parmesan, seasonings, and the softened breadcrumb mixture. Gently fold everything together, keeping a light touch to prevent dense meatballs.

  • Shape and Prepare

Craft uniform meatballs using a cookie scoop, giving each one a gentle roll between lightly oiled palms. Transfer these flavor nuggets onto the waiting baking sheet, ready for their oven adventure.

  • Bake to Perfection

Spritz the meatballs with olive oil and dust with a hint of black pepper. Slide the tray into the top oven rack and bake for 15 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F, transforming into golden, succulent protein bites that’ll make taste buds dance.

Flavoring Tips for Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs

  • Boost Moisture Magic: Soak breadcrumbs in milk to guarantee tender, juicy meatballs that never turn dry or crumbly.
  • Mix Protein Perfection: Experiment with ground turkey or lean beef as delicious chicken alternatives that maintain similar texture and flavor profiles.
  • Spice Adventure Hack: Customize seasonings by adding dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or red pepper flakes for unexpected flavor twists that wake up your taste buds.
  • Freezer-Friendly Trick: Prepare larger batches of meatballs, cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that save time and reduce cooking stress.

Ideas for Serving Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs

  • Pair with Zesty Pasta: Toss these savory chicken meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti or linguine, drizzled with marinara sauce for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
  • Create a Hearty Sandwich: Slice the meatballs and nestle them into a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone cheese and fresh arugula for a delicious lunch option.
  • Craft a Protein-Packed Salad: Slice the meatballs and scatter them over a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a nutritious dinner.
  • Serve as Appetizer Bites: Skewer the meatballs with toothpicks and offer a side of tangy dipping sauce like ranch or spicy aioli for a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Storage Solutions for Michael Symon’s Chicken Meatballs

  • Maximize Meal Prep: Strategically prepare meatballs in large batches for multiple meals throughout the week. Store cooked meatballs in airtight containers to maintain freshness and quality.
  • Refrigeration Recommendations: Cool meatballs completely before storing in sealed containers. Properly refrigerated meatballs will stay delicious for 3-4 days, making quick weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze baked meatballs in single layers on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer-safe bags. Frozen meatballs will keep up to 3 months, providing convenient protein options for busy families.
  • Reheating Techniques: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain juicy texture.
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Juicy Michael Symon Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Juicy Michael Symon Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Michael Symon’s chicken meatballs blend Mediterranean flavors with comfort-style cooking. Bold spices and fresh herbs elevate these protein-packed bites that invite you to savor each delicious morsel.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) ground chicken
  • 2 eggs
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (120 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup (45 g) freshly-grated parmesan cheese
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Warm oven to 425°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Breadcrumb Mixture: Blend Panko with milk, allowing hydration for 7-8 minutes to create soft texture.
  3. Seasoning Blend: Mix ground chicken with eggs, garlic, Parmesan, kosher salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in large mixing bowl, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  4. Forming Meatballs: Fold milk-soaked breadcrumbs into seasoned chicken mixture, using gentle technique to maintain light texture. Coat hands with olive oil and shape uniform meatballs using medium cookie scoop.
  5. Baking Process: Arrange meatballs on prepared sheet with slight spacing, mist with olive oil spray, and dust with additional black pepper. Roast on top oven rack for 14-16 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking and optimal moisture retention.

Notes

  • Prevent Dense Meatballs: Gently mix ingredients and avoid overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.
  • Moisture Matters: Soaking breadcrumbs in milk creates a softer, more delicate meatball texture that prevents dryness.
  • Oil Coating Trick: Lightly oiling your hands prevents sticky ground chicken from clinging and helps form smooth, uniform meatballs.
  • Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meatballs.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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