These chicken pesto meatballs are a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly recipe made with just three ingredients: ground chicken, basil pesto, and panko bread crumbs. They come together quickly, bake in about 20 minutes, and turn out juicy, tender, and full of pesto flavor. If you need an easy chicken meatball recipe for weeknight dinners, meal prep, toddler lunches, or a freezer-friendly protein option, this is a great one to keep on hand.
These easy chicken pesto meatballs are especially helpful when you want something that works for both kids and adults. They are mild enough for picky eaters, but still flavorful thanks to the basil pesto. Serve them over pasta with extra pesto, add them to a salad, pair them with rice, or enjoy them with roasted spaghetti squash. They are also delicious with fresh mozzarella and an extra spoonful of pesto on top.
Because the recipe uses only a few ingredients, the quality and flavor of the pesto really matter. A rich, garlicky basil pesto will season the ground chicken without needing extra spices. The panko bread crumbs help hold the mixture together while keeping the meatballs light rather than dense.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN PESTO MEATBALLS
Start by adding the ground chicken, basil pesto, and panko bread crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon, spatula, or clean hands to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined. Ground chicken can be soft and sticky, so mixing by hand is often the easiest way to make sure the pesto and bread crumbs are fully worked into the meat.
If you are choosing a store-bought basil pesto, pick one with a flavor you already enjoy, since it is the main seasoning in this recipe. The Kirkland brand from Costco is one good option mentioned for this recipe, but any flavorful basil pesto you like can work well.
Once the chicken mixture is fully combined, use a cookie scoop to portion it onto a lined baking sheet. A scoop helps keep the meatballs similar in size, which allows them to cook evenly. You can use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Bake the chicken pesto meatballs in a 400°F oven for 20 to 22 minutes. Since they are made with ground chicken, they need to be fully cooked through. The safest way to check doneness is with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once baked, the meatballs should be tender, juicy, and ready to serve with your favorite sides.
TIPS FOR CHICKEN PESTO MEATBALLS
- Use a basil pesto with plenty of flavor, because this recipe does not include additional seasonings.
- Homemade pesto can be used if you prefer to make your own.
- Mixing the chicken mixture with clean hands usually works best and helps everything combine evenly.
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that bake at the same rate.
- Do not overbake the meatballs once they reach 165°F, so they stay moist and tender.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS RECIPE
- Ground chicken
- Basil pesto
- Panko bread crumbs
That’s it. With only three ingredients, this chicken pesto meatball recipe is easy to prepare, easy to customize with your favorite serving options, and simple enough for busy days.
CAN THIS RECIPE BE PREPPED IN ADVANCE?
Yes. These chicken pesto meatballs are great for meal prep and can be made in advance. You can prepare a batch, freeze them in small portions, and pull out only what you need for quick lunches or dinners. They work well for toddler meals, packed lunches, or adding protein to pasta, rice bowls, salads, and vegetables. If you like freezer-friendly recipes, meatballs are one of the easiest foods to keep ready for fast meals.
To freeze them, let the cooked meatballs cool completely, then store them in freezer-safe portions. A vacuum sealer can be used if you prefer compact packets, but any freezer-safe container or bag can work. Reheat as needed and serve with your favorite pesto-based meal.
Chicken Pesto Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¾ cup basil pesto Kirkland brand was used in the original recipe
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs plain
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Add the ground chicken, basil pesto, and panko bread crumbs to a mixing bowl.
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Mix until everything is well combined. Using clean hands often works best for this mixture.
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Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
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Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.