Easy Pesto Meatballs - Cookies and Cups

By: Shelly
Posted: Aug 11, 2026

These juicy Pesto Chicken Meatballs are packed with fresh basil flavor, plenty of Parmesan cheese, and come together with just a handful of simple ingredients. They’re baked instead of fried and ready in about 30 minutes making them an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep and packed with protein!

Why You’ll Love These Pesto Meatballs

If you’re looking for a way to switch my classic chicken meatball recipe, this one is a keeper.

Ready in about 30 minutes
Made with only 6 simple ingredients
Tender, juicy texture thanks to the soaked breadcrumbs
Baked instead of pan-fried
Great for meal prep and freezing, plus super easy to double or triple the recipe to make in bulk!

What Makes These Meatballs So Tender?

The secret is soaking the panko breadcrumbs in milk before mixing everything together. I use this method, which is called a panade, in my classic chicken meatballs and it makes all the difference. It locks in the moisture creating the most tender meatballs, because chicken meatballs can definitely be dry.

Also make sure to not over-mix the meat mixture! This is hugely important when making any meatball recipe. The more you mix and pack the meatballs the denser they will be.

Ingredients for chicken meatballs: ground chicken, an egg, pesto, milk, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan lined up from above. — INGREDIENTS: Egg, Ground Chicken, Milk, Panko Breadcrumbs, and Pesto

Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Meatballs

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overmix the chicken mixture.
A cookie scoop makes portioning much easier because the mixture is soft.
If you don’t have a scoop, spoon portions onto the baking sheet and gently shape them with damp hands.
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach 165°F without overcooking.

A fork holding half of a pesto meatball, showing the soft interior.

Serving Ideas

These pesto meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve them:

Over your favorite pasta with extra pesto
With marinara sauce
Over steamed rice
On creamy polenta
Alongside roasted vegetables
As an appetizer with toothpicks and extra pesto for dipping

Chicken Pesto meatballs in a bowl with white rice and more pesto sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or warm them in a covered skillet over low heat until heated through.

Can You Freeze Pesto Meatballs?

Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
Freeze on a baking sheet until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze for up to 2 months for best freshness,
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Description

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup milk
1 egg
1/3 cup pesto
1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
16 ounces ground chicken

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl combine the panko and the milk and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
Add in the egg, pesto, parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
Add in the chicken and mix until just combined.
Using a medium scoop, portion out the chicken mixture and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet (see note).
Bake the meatballs for 23 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve over pasta, rice, or on their own.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl combine the panko and the milk and let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb.
Add in the egg, pesto, parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
Add in the chicken and mix until just combined.
Using a medium scoop, portion out the chicken mixture and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet (see note).
Bake the meatballs for 23 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve over pasta, rice, or on their own.

Notes

It’s easier to use a scoop for this meatball recipe because the mixture is very soft. If you don’t have a scoop you can portion it out with a spoon and gently form with your hands.

Store airtight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.