Easy Baked Keto Chicken Meatballs

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These Easy Baked Keto Chicken Meatballs are a go-to for anyone following a low-carb, gluten-free, or keto lifestyle. Juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, they make the perfect high-protein addition to any meal or a satisfying snack on their own. Made with lean ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of fresh herbs and seasonings, these meatballs are baked to perfection—no frying required. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these keto chicken meatballs are versatile, delicious, and incredibly easy to make.

Today I’m excited to show you how to make these delicious baked keto chicken meatballs that are incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. What makes this recipe stand out? These low-carb chicken meatballs are made without breadcrumbs, making them a much healthier alternative to traditional meatballs. Baked instead of fried, they’re lower in calories but still just as juicy and flavorful as the classic version.

These keto-friendly chicken meatballs are ideal for meal prep, great as a high-protein snack, or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for holidays, game days, or family gatherings. They’re also kid-approved, making them a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Baked Keto Chicken Meatballs

• Baked, Not Fried – These chicken meatballs are oven-baked to perfection, making them a healthier, lower-calorie option compared to traditional fried meatballs.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for a quick, high-protein lunch or dinner.
• One-Bowl Recipe – You’ll only need one mixing bowl, keeping prep and cleanup fast and simple.
• Freezer-Friendly – These keto chicken meatballs freeze beautifully, so you’ll always have a convenient low-carb option ready to go.
• Juicy and Flavorful – Thanks to the combination of ground chicken, parmesan, and herbs, these meatballs stay moist and tender without any breadcrumbs.
• Versatile & Customizable – Add your favorite keto-approved spices, herbs, or even cheese to switch up the flavor. Great with marinara, pesto, or creamy sauces.
• Perfect for Any Meal – Serve them as a quick keto snack, toss with low-carb pasta, stuff into lettuce wraps or keto bread, or serve with veggies for a balanced dinner.
• Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love them! These meatballs are kid-approved and perfect for both casual meals and entertaining.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Keto Chicken Meatballs

These low-carb chicken meatballs are made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Ready in under 20 minutes of prep, they’re perfect for meal prep or a quick family dinner.

• Ground Chicken – Use 93% to 96% lean ground chicken for the best texture. Ground turkey or chicken thighs also work great as a substitute if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
• Egg- Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together. One large egg is all you need.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan adds rich, salty flavor and helps hold the mixture together. Grating it yourself gives the best taste and texture.
• Almond flour – A perfect keto-friendly substitute for breadcrumbs, helping to keep the meatballs low in carbs while providing structure.
• Olive oil- Adds moisture and richness, keeping the meatballs juicy and tender as they bake.
• Garlic- Use fresh minced or grated garlic for the boldest, most authentic flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
• Salt- Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
• Black Pepper –  Optional, but adds a nice touch of heat and balance. Feel free to skip if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Italian seasoning – A flavorful mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that pairs beautifully with chicken. Feel free to substitute with your favorite herb blend.
• Cooking Spray- Helps prevent sticking by lightly coating your baking sheet or parchment paper.
• Parsely – Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving. Chop it finely and sprinkle on top for the perfect finish.

Tips to Keep Your Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs Moist and Juicy

Getting perfectly moist and tender baked meatballs—without breadcrumbs—is totally doable with just a few simple tricks. Here’s how to make sure your keto chicken meatballs come out soft, juicy, and never dry:

• Don’t skip the olive oil – Adding a little olive oil to the meatball mixture helps prevent dryness and keeps the lean ground chicken moist while baking.
• Avoid overmixing – Mix the ingredients just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs, especially when using ground chicken or turkey.
• Watch your bake time – Overbaking is the most common reason chicken meatballs turn out dry. Keep an eye on them in the oven and pull them out once the tops are lightly golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).

These easy tips ensure your gluten-free, low-carb meatballs stay moist, tender, and absolutely delicious—perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or party appetizer.

How to Make Delicious Keto Chicken Meatballs

These easy baked keto chicken meatballs are gluten-free, low-carb, and full of flavor. They come together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and are perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

• Ground chicken
• One egg (to bind)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese
• A drizzle of olive oil (for moisture)
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic, and your favorite blend—Italian seasoning works great!

Use a spoon or clean hands to gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs can become dense.

Form the Meatballs
Scoop the mixture using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and roll into even-sized balls. Place them spaced out on your prepared baking tray.

Bake Until Golden
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite low-carb sauce, over zucchini noodles, or in lettuce wraps!

Delicious Keto Chicken Meatball Variations

One of the best things about this keto chicken meatball recipe is how easy it is to customize! Whether you like your meatballs cheesy, spicy, or packed with hidden veggies, here are some tasty variations to try:

• Add Shredded Cheese – Mix in a handful of shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for gooey, cheesy meatballs with a melty center.
• Crumbled Bacon for Extra Flavor – Stir in crispy crumbled bacon to give your meatballs a smoky, savory kick—perfect for bacon lovers!
• Turn Up the Heat – Add a pinch of red chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite low-carb hot sauce to make spicy chicken meatballs.
• Grated Parmesan Topping – Once the meatballs are out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan for an extra salty, nutty finish.
• Sneak In More Veggies – Finely grate zucchini, spinach, or chopped kale and mix them into the meatball mixture for added nutrients and moisture.
• Stuffed Chicken Meatballs – For an extra surprise, stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella or provolone cheese. The gooey center takes these to the next level!
• Fresh Herb Swap – Replace parsley with fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to give the meatballs a bold and fragrant Italian flair.
• Lemon Zest Boost – Add a bit of fresh lemon zest to the mix for a bright and zesty twist that pairs beautifully with chicken and herbs.
• Pesto Infused – Mix in a spoonful of basil pesto for extra flavor and a beautiful herbaceous note—no extra seasoning needed!
• Make Them Mini for Appetizers – Roll the meatballs smaller for bite-sized party appetizers—perfect for keto holiday trays or low-carb game-day snacks.

Tips for Making the Best Keto Chicken Meatballs

Make your low-carb baked chicken meatballs turn out moist, tender, and packed with flavor every time with these helpful tips:

• Keep It From Sticking – Wet your hands with cold water before shaping each meatball. This prevents the mixture from sticking to your hands and makes the process much quicker and cleaner. Repeat as needed when making a large batch.
• Use Fresh Herbs for Best Flavor – While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano add brightness and depth to the flavor. Just a handful of finely chopped herbs makes a noticeable difference.
• Avoid Overbaking – Watch the baking time closely. Overcooked chicken meatballs can become dry and crumbly. Remove them from the oven once the tops are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Add a Fun Twist with Toppings – For a unique texture and appearance, roll the meatballs in sesame seeds before baking. This adds a slight crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Ground Turkey Works Too – If you don’t have chicken on hand, ground turkey is a great substitute. It has a similar texture and flavor, and the cooking time stays the same. Use the same seasoning blend for equally delicious results.
• Test a Mini Batch First – If you’re experimenting with new spices or flavors, cook one small meatball first in a skillet to taste-test before baking the whole batch.
• Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Sizes – For even cooking and consistent portioning, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to shape your meatballs. This ensures they all bake at the same rate.
• Let Them Rest – After baking, allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in juices and makes them easier to serve.

Can I Make Keto Meatballs In An Air Fryer?

Sure, prepare the meatballs mixture just like I did in this recipe, roll the meatballs, put them in the air fryer, and bake for about 15 minutes.

Can I Make Ahead This Recipe?

Sure, this is a great thing about this recipe. All you have to do is make the mixture just like I did, then put the meatballs on a baking tray and freeze them. Then transfer frozen meatballs to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.

Fried Chicken Meatballs

To fry chicken meatballs, add 1-2 cups of cooking oil to a medium skillet. Once the oil is hot, cook the meatballs in batches until completely cooked through.

Serving Suggestions For These Chicken Meatballs

When they are ready, I like to eat some of them fresh and hot as they are, but there are many other options for serving them:

• Add some cauliflower rice or cauliflower mashed potatoes near them.
• You can eat them in your favorite dipping sauce.
• Make a low-carb tomato sauce and pour over the meatballs.

How Can I Store These Delicious Chicken Meatballs

• Fridge: you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
• Freeze: these meatballs can also be frozen for up to two months, making them one of my favorite recipes that can be made ahead of time.

Reheating Instructions

• When you want to eat the meatballs, put them on a baking tray and spray each meatball with some cooking spray. Then reheat in the oven for about five minutes at 300F.
• If they are frozen, put them on a baking tray and let them in the oven for about 20 minutes. And with 5 minutes before they are ready, spray some cooking spray over them.

More Easy Recipes For You to Try:

• Easy Keto Meatballs Recipe
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce – { Keto }
• Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce
• Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup – Creamy & Delicious