30-Minute Meals, Kid Favorite, Recipes, Snacks

Ground Chicken & Veggie Meatballs

Name: Hidden Veggie Chicken Meatballs (Healthy, Juicy, and Family Friendly)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs Ground chicken (extra lean); 2 Eggs (large); 2 Zucchini (small) (Grated); 1 Carrot (medium) (Grated); 1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning; Sea salt and pepper to taste; 3/4 cup Bread crumbs (Use Italian-style for extra flavor or gluten-free for additional options.)

Posted by

Dr. Cris

February 24, 2026

On February 24, 2026

Ground chicken and vegetable meatballs recipe image – healthy homemade meatball dish

Cris Angus, DCN, MS

Hidden Veggie Chicken Meatballs (Healthy, Juicy, and Family Friendly)

Hidden Veggie Chicken Meatballs (Healthy, Juicy & Family-Friendly)

If you’re looking for a simple, nutrient-dense meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, these Hidden Veggie Chicken Meatballs are the perfect solution. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is designed to support balanced nutrition while making it easier to incorporate more vegetables into your day—without sacrificing flavor.

As a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, I love creating recipes like this that combine lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats to support stable blood sugar and overall wellness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 6

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: 30-minute-meals, American

Calories: 248

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs Ground chicken (extra lean)
2 Eggs (large)
2 Zucchini (small) Grated
1 Carrot (medium) Grated
1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
Sea salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup Bread crumbs Use Italian-style for extra flavor or gluten-free for additional options.

Method

Preheat oven to 400°F
Place the shredded zucchini in a dish towel. Squeeze out all the excess liquid.
Place the chicken in a large bowl. Add the zucchini, egg, carrot, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bread crumbs. Mix until just combined. Roll into balls approximately the size of a golf ball and place on the baking sheet.
Place in the oven and cook for 16 to 20 minutes until cooked through. Enjoy!
Serving size: 4 meatballs
Protein 24g, Carbs 13g, Fiber 2g

Notes

Who doesn’t love Healthy, Juicy, and Family-Friendly meatballs?

These hidden-vegetable ground chicken meatballs are a delicious and nutrient-packed twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep. Made with lean ground chicken and a blend of finely shredded vegetables like zucchini and carrot, this recipe offers a simple way to boost your daily vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor. The mild taste and tender texture make these meatballs especially appealing for picky eaters, including kids, while still delivering a wholesome, balanced meal.

By incorporating vegetables directly into the meatball mixture, you not only enhance the nutritional value but also improve moisture and texture. Zucchini adds hydration and softness, while carrots contribute a subtle natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Combined with Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, and a touch of salt and pepper, these meatballs are perfectly seasoned and versatile enough to pair with a variety of dishes. Serve them over whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

This healthy ground chicken meatball recipe is also ideal for those following a balanced or calorie-conscious lifestyle. Using extra lean ground chicken keeps the fat content lower than traditional beef meatballs, while still providing a great source of protein to support muscle health and satiety. The addition of an egg helps bind the ingredients together, creating a tender and cohesive bite every time.

You can alter the recipe by using ground turkey, beef, or pork if you prefer.

Serve next to your favorite sides like a salad, rice, potatoes, or pasta.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

About Dr. Cris

I am a nutritionist (Doctor of Clinical Nutrition) with a passion for creating fast, healthy recipes to inspire at-home meal preparation, designed to improve overall health and well-being.

View all posts by Dr. Cris