Baked Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs (Dairy-Free)

Meatballs for a High-Protein Dish

I’ve always loved meatballs because they’re such an easy dish to make, and give you a protein-packed meal that will keep you full for long.

While meatballs are often made with ground beef, we’re making a chicken version today – using ground chicken meat instead.

Trust me when I say that these are delicious, and ready in less than 40 minutes!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients required for these baked gluten free chicken meatballs recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
• Easy to Make: Mixing the meatball mixture is a breeze, and once the meatballs are shaped, all that’s left to do is to let them bake until beautifully golden brown. An entire batch of these easy baked chicken meatballs comes together in under 40 minutes!
• Make Your Own Ground Chicken: If you like, you can prepare your own ground chicken by processing chunks of raw chicken breast in the food processor.
• Totally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: The best part is that these healthy chicken meatballs are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can still enjoy them without worries!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free chicken meatball recipe.

(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post).

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Minced Chicken: I recommend using organic ground chicken if you can. You can either get store-bought ground chicken, or make your own by processing raw chicken breasts. Alternatively, if you prefer using other types of minced meat (such as ground turkey, ground pork, or ground beef) go ahead.
• Egg: The egg is necessary to bind the ingredients together. I have not tried making this chicken meatball recipe without eggs, but if you are allergic to eggs, or would simply prefer to make this egg-free, you may try using acquafaba or an egg-replacer. (If you do make this egg-free, please let me know how it goes in the comments below, I’d love to know!)
• Salt: I used fine table salt, but you can also use fine sea salt or fine Himalayan pink salt.
• Paprika: I like added ground paprika for a kick of heat. Alternatively, you may use ground black pepper, ground cayenne pepper, chili powder or red pepper flakes.
• Granulated Garlic: Adding granulated garlic adds plenty of flavor to these chicken meatballs. You may also use garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer.
• Dried Herbs: I used a combination of dried rosemary, dried thyme and dried oregano. You may use other dried herbs if you prefer.
• Coriander: I like adding ground coriander for extra flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
• Parmesan: I used dairy-free parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal parmesan cheese instead.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: I used gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep this recipe gluten-free. You may also use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal panko breadcrumbs instead.
• Parsley: I like adding fresh parsley to the meatballs for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can also use fresh cilantro, spinach or basil.
• Tomato Paste: If you don’t have tomato paste, you can also use tomato sauce or ketchup.
• Chicken Broth: You can either use homemade or store-bought chicken broth. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use certified gluten-free chicken broth. Alternatively, you may use bone broth or vegetable broth as well.
• Olive Oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but you may also use another vegetable oil instead (such as sunflower oil, corn oil, avocado oil, coconut oil). You may also use melted vegan butter. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use melted butter or ghee if you prefer.

How to Make Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs (Step by Step)

1. Preheat and Grease

Preheat the oven to 390F. Grease a 9” x 13” baking dish or deep rimmed baking sheet.

2. Combine Minced Chicken, Egg Salt and Spices

In a large mixing bowl, mix the minced chicken, beaten egg, salt and spices together until combined.

4. Mix to Get Meatball Mixture

Thoroughly mix all the meatball ingredients with a spoon, spatula or hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed and you have a homogeneous mixture.

5. Form Meatballs

Use a medium cookie scoop to scoop up the mixture, then use wet hands to form balls that are 2-3 inches in diameter. Place the chicken meatballs in a single layer in the previously greased baking dish.

6. Pour Broth and Brush Meatballs with Oil

Pour the chicken broth into the baking dish. Brush the tops of the chicken balls with olive oil.

7. Bake Until Golden Brown

Roast the gluten-free chicken balls in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops of the meatballs are golden brown.

8. Serve and Enjoy!

Let the hot gluten-free dairy-free chicken meatballs cool slightly, then serve using the broth (if desired) as well.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks

• Swap Out Ground Chicken for Other Ground Meats: I used ground chicken because this is a recipe for gluten-free chicken balls, go ahead and use other types of minced meat (such as minced turkey, minced pork, or minced beef) if you prefer.
• Make Smaller Meatballs: If you prefer, you can make 24 smaller meatballs instead of the 12 meatballs as shown in the recipe.
• Make the Recipe Low-Carb: To make this great recipe low carb, replace the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or almond meal instead.
• Storing: To store, place the cooled gluten-free chicken meatballs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or in the microwave before eating. To freeze, separate the meatballs from the broth and freeze the meaballs in a freezer-safe airtight container or ziplock bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Let meatballs thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and eating.
• To Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice that the meatballs are browning too quickly, cover the meatballs with aluminum foil in the last 5 to 10 minutes of the baking process.

Recipe FAQs:

What to Serve with Chicken Meatballs?

Here are a few of our favorite gluten-free side dishes that go great with these delicious baked chicken meatballs, so you have a complete meal!

• Air Fryer Green Beans (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Crispy Air Fried Potato Wedges (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Herbs (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Zucchini Noodles
• Cauliflower Rice

Sauces to Dip These Meatballs In:

These sauces pair extremely well with the gluten-free meatballs, but feel free to use your favorite sauce!

• Homemade Sriracha Chili Sauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Garlic Aioli (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Basil Walnut Pesto (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Other Gluten-Free Chicken Recipes to Enjoy