Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced shallot, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, basil pesto, egg, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is ideal.
Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them over your favorite pasta, in a sub, or alongside a fresh salad. Drizzle with extra pesto or sprinkle with more parmesan for an added touch!