Dinner

Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Introduction

Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce offer a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. These tender meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a rich tomato sauce make for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

A black skillet filled with a bright red tomato sauce serves as the base layer, its smooth texture showing slight bubbling around the edges. On top, there are eleven golden-brown meatballs with a slightly crispy, uneven surface, scattered evenly across the skillet. Fresh green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the meatballs and sauce, adding a pop of color. A wooden spoon with a long handle rests on the left side of the skillet, partly immersed in the sauce. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth napkin is placed to the upper right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped, or 2 tablespoons dried)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
Step 4: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Carefully transfer the baked meatballs into the tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve your baked chicken meatballs in tomato sauce over pasta, rice, or enjoy on their own. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of milk or a bit of grated zucchini to the meatball mixture.
Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for a brighter, fresher flavor in the sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Add a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce for added depth.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.