Stuffing Mix Chicken Meatballs

These Stuffing Mix Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, fuss-free twist on traditional meatballs. With just a few ingredients—ground chicken, a box of stuffing mix, butter, and water—you can whip up a big batch of moist, tender meatballs that are full of comforting, herby flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, weeknight dinner, or holiday side dish, they’re incredibly versatile and ready in under an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are a time-saving dream, combining the seasoned goodness of stuffing mix with lean ground chicken or turkey. There’s no need to measure out breadcrumbs or spices—the stuffing does all the work. They’re baked instead of fried, making cleanup easy and keeping them lighter. Serve them with gravy, cranberry sauce, or as-is for a hearty, homey meal any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ cups water

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or margarine

• 1 (6-ounce) box stuffing mix (chicken, turkey, or herb flavor)

• 1 pound ground chicken or turkey

• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the stuffing mix:
   In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the water and butter. Once the butter has melted and the water is simmering, stir in the stuffing mix. Turn off the heat and let it sit until the liquid is fully absorbed. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

3. Cool the mixture:
   Let the stuffing cool to room temperature—about 20 minutes. To speed this up, place the bowl over an ice bath.

4. Mix the meatballs:
   Add ground chicken to the cooled stuffing and mix with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix—pieces of stuffing should still be visible, but the meat should be evenly distributed.

5. Form the meatballs:
   Using a 1½-tablespoon cookie scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into about 32 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

7. Serve:
   Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

Yield: 32 meatballs (about 4 servings)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheesy version: Mix in ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella for added richness.

• Add veggies: Finely chopped onions, spinach, or shredded carrots can be folded in for extra nutrition.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

• Use different stuffing flavors: Sage, cornbread, or mushroom stuffing mixes can add unique twists.

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix if needed.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating:

• From fridge: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.

• From frozen: Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly and offers the same texture and flavor balance.

Do I need to cook the stuffing mix first?

Yes, the stuffing needs to be hydrated and softened before mixing with the meat.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and bake them ahead, then store in the fridge or freezer and reheat as needed.

What dipping sauces pair well with these?

Gravy, cranberry sauce, ranch, or honey mustard are all great options.

Are these meatballs good for meal prep?

Yes, they reheat well and can be used in lunches, wraps, or tossed in pasta dishes throughout the week.

Can I pan-fry instead of baking?

Baking is recommended for ease and even cooking, but you could pan-fry them in a bit of oil until golden and cooked through.

What kind of stuffing mix works best?

Any boxed stuffing mix—chicken, turkey, or herb-flavored—all work great. Choose your favorite.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Be careful not to overbake. Also, using ground chicken thighs (instead of breast) or adding a little olive oil can help retain moisture.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

You can substitute margarine or even a light olive oil, but butter adds a rich, savory flavor to the stuffing.

How do I serve these meatballs?

Serve them over mashed potatoes, with gravy, as party appetizers, in a sub roll, or even with a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Stuffing Mix Chicken Meatballs are a simple, flavorful solution for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or holiday meals. With just a few ingredients and no fancy prep, they come together quickly and bake up beautifully. Tender, herby, and satisfying, they’re a fun and creative way to turn a box of stuffing into something completely new—and delicious.