Herby Baked Chicken Meatballs

Herby Baked Chicken Meatballs: Flavorful, Cozy, and Perfect for Fall

During the fall months and into the holidays, there is nothing more comforting and classic than herby-infused dishes that brightens your plate with tangy, earthy flavors. These herby baked chicken meatballs are packed with dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage — all working together to enrich this delicious bite of food that feels just right for this time of year.

With the leanness of the ground chicken, the heart-healthy fats from the olive oil, the nuttiness and warmth of the shredded white cheddar cheese, and the combination of ground mustard and Dijon mustard for the perfect tang, each meatball becomes a savory, seasonal bite of goodness. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without the funkiness of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the herby notes and deepen the salty, mouthwatering mixture.

Even though the ingredient list looks longer for such a simple baked chicken meatball recipe, the flavors work seamlessly together to create something that tastes like Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner rolled into one bite. What’s better than combining two of the best food holidays together?! Probably nothing :)

Traditional meatballs are often loaded with fatty meats, excess unhealthy cooking oils, and deep-fried or pan-fried in ways that completely change the chemistry and nutritional benefits the ingredients originally had.

I always think about the amount of food you can consume in a day — are limited. Because of that, choosing whole, natural, nutrient-dense foods filled with essential vitamins is one of the best ways to take care of your body. Giving yourself what you actually need, instead of foods that cause inflammation, clog arteries, or damage essential organs through digestion, makes such a difference in your overall wellness.

Overall, this recipe was created with both heart and digestive health in mind. I wanted something flavorful, still super tasty, but much healthier for you. It’s lean, loaded with animal-based protein, herby, and full of anti-inflammatory properties. You, your family, and anyone you cook for will just these herby baked chicken meatballs!

Chicken vs. Red Meat (for the Meat)

Chicken

• Chicken is a lean, white meat, meaning it has less fat — especially saturated fat — compared to red meat.

• It contains more B vitamins, which support the nervous system, brain health, and energy production.

• Because it’s high in protein and low in fat, chicken is great for anyone looking for a lighter, cleaner protein source.

Red Meat

• Red meat is a fatter, darker meat with higher amounts of total and saturated fat.

• While it does contain more zinc and iron — both great for energy production and immune support — the higher fat content can make it less ideal for everyday cooking if you're focusing on heart healthy food choices.

Simple Note - Chicken is high protein, lower fat. Red meat is high protein, higher fat.

Baking vs. Pan Frying

Baking

Baking requires no extra oil for the cooking process. It’s cleaner, self-contained, and uses dry heat to surround the food during the cooking process. This results in less oil, less fat, fewer calories, and no unwanted, unhealthy ingredient additions from frying.

Plus, baking doesn’t drastically change the chemical makeup of your ingredients — meaning nutrients stay more intact and fewer carcinogens (cancer-causing compounds) are created.

Pan Frying

Frying is more complex, much messier, and requires extra oils. The heat comes directly from below the pan, creating crispier bites, but this comes with tradeoffs.

You need more oil (and even frying extra-virgin olive oil breaks down antioxidant compounds, reducing its natural health benefits). Frying increases calorie content, adds fats, and can raise bad cholesterol — clogging arteries and increasing your risk of heart disease or other chronic illnesses.

What Herbs Add to Your Diet

Herbs are incredibly rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect your cells, organs, and nerves. They help fight chronic diseases, support your immune system, and reduce inflammation overall inflammation in your body— all while adding wonderful flavor and depth to your cooking.

They’re whole, natural, and nutrient-dense ingredients that not only help your body, but they elevate your meals with richness and increase the interestingness of your food in exciting ways - throughout the entire year.

Ingredients:

• Ground chicken

• Egg

• Bread crumbs

• Shredded white cheddar cheese

• Olive oil

• Worcestershire sauce

• Dijon mustard

• Ground mustard

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Dried sage

• Dried thyme

• Dried rosemary

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a medium glass or metal bowl, add all the ingredients. Using a large spoon, fork, or spatula, mix everything together until the meatball mixture is completely combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out portions that are about 2 tablespoons in size. Roll each portion in your hands to form a ball and place it on the baking sheet.

Repeat until you’ve used all the mixture — you should end up with 12 meatballs. Make sure to space them out on the baking sheet (three rows of four meatballs works great).

Step 4: Bake

Place the meatballs in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on top.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with a sandwich, slider, pasta, mashed potatoes, or anything you like!