Name: Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 small onion, grated; 3 cloves garlic, grated; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)

Ever craved something savory, juicy, and packed with herbs—but without the hassle of frying? These Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs hit that sweet spot between comfort food and healthy dinner. They’re golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with Middle Eastern flavors thanks to fresh herbs and warm spices.

Whether you’re serving them with rice, tucked in pita bread, or dipped in garlicky yogurt sauce, these meatballs bring vibrance and satisfaction to the table. Plus, baking them in the oven means less cleanup and more hands-off time while they cook.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these meatballs come together easily and bake to perfection, a few kitchen essentials will go a long way:

Mixing Bowls: Needed to combine the ground chicken with all the herbs, spices, and aromatics. Use a large one for ease of mixing.
Microplane or Grater: Helps finely grate garlic and onion, which ensures even distribution without chunkiness.
Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: A sturdy baking sheet lined with parchment allows even browning and easy cleanup.
Ice Cream Scoop or Cookie Scoop: This ensures uniform-sized meatballs so they bake evenly and look professional.
Oven: These kofta are baked at high heat to seal in juices while forming a flavorful crust on the outside.

Having these tools ready streamlines your prep and helps ensure consistent results every time.

Ingredients for the Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

Every ingredient in this recipe brings depth, moisture, and unmistakable flavor. Here’s why each one matters:

Ground Chicken: The lean base that makes these kofta lighter than traditional beef or lamb versions, yet still rich in protein.
Grated Onion: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall juiciness.
Garlic (grated): A sharp aromatic that anchors the Middle Eastern spice profile.
Fresh Parsley and Dill: These herbs brighten the mixture, adding fresh, clean notes that balance the meatiness.
Ground Cumin and Coriander: Provide a toasty, earthy warmth that’s characteristic of kofta.
Paprika: Offers a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all other flavors.
Olive Oil (for brushing): Helps the meatballs develop a golden crust while keeping them moist.

How To Make the Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated onion, grated garlic, chopped parsley and dill, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Kofta

Use an ice cream scoop or your hands to form evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.

Step 4: Brush and Bake

Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to help browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot with a side of creamy yogurt sauce, fresh pita, or over fragrant rice. Garnish with extra dill or parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a casual meal, serve them inside warm pita bread with shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of tahini or yogurt sauce. They also pair beautifully with basmati rice or a simple couscous salad. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a chopped Mediterranean salad to complete the meal.

For storing, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just reheat directly from frozen at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the chicken meatballs from drying out?

Grating onion into the mix adds moisture, and baking at high heat ensures a quick cook without drying. Avoid overbaking and brush with olive oil to keep the exterior tender.

Can I make these kofta meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them up to a day ahead. Just bring them to room temp before baking or add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.

What sauces go well with these meatballs?

A garlic yogurt sauce, tahini drizzle, or even a cucumber-dill tzatziki complements the warm spices beautifully. You can also serve them with a spicy harissa or chimichurri for a twist.

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute. Choose a mix that includes dark meat for better moisture.

Are these good for meal prep?

They’re excellent! Bake a batch, divide into portions with sides like rice or veggies, and store in meal prep containers. They’re flavorful enough to stay interesting throughout the week.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute dried herbs (use about 1/3 of the fresh amount), but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. Fresh really elevates the taste.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If these Juicy Baked Chicken Kofta Meatballs got you excited for bold flavor, you might also enjoy some of our other hearty chicken recipes.

Try the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a rich, indulgent twist on comfort food. Or go for the Savory Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs if you prefer something zesty and oven-ready.

Need something creamy and cozy? The Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup is perfect for cooler nights, or switch things up with the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Explosion Chicken for sticky-sweet finger food.

For more spice and depth, the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli brings heat and creaminess together in a one-pan meal.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner inspiration board for later. Just hit that Pin button.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it went! Did you go heavy on the dill? Did you serve it over rice or in a wrap? Drop a comment below or share your take. I’m always curious how you make it your own.

For daily meal ideas and more kitchen-tested recipes, check out my Pinterest @LadyPlate and pin your favorites!