Who doesn’t love a good meatball, right? Now, imagine the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan, but in meatball form—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and drenched in marinara sauce and melted cheese. These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are the perfect way to enjoy a comforting meal with a fun twist. You get the heartiness of a meatball combined with the savory goodness of a Chicken Parmesan, and trust me, they’re as delicious as they sound. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner or serving them at a gathering, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs aren’t just tasty—they’re packed with flavor and convenience. Here’s why they’re the ultimate dinner option:

Versatile: You can serve these meatballs over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or just on their own with a side of veggies. The possibilities are endless!

Budget-Friendly: Made with ground chicken and pantry staples, these meatballs won’t break the bank but will still deliver a big flavor punch.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these meatballs cooking in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable: Want to make them spicier? Add some red pepper flakes! Looking for extra cheese? Toss in more mozzarella! You can easily adjust the recipe to your liking.

Crowd-Pleasing: These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for all ages. They’re hearty, cheesy, and satisfying—what’s not to love?

Ingredients in Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavor-packed Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

Ground Chicken: The base of the meatballs. Ground chicken is lean but still juicy and perfect for absorbing all those savory seasonings.

Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold everything together while adding a nice texture to the meatballs.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor, making these meatballs taste just like your favorite Chicken Parmesan.

Egg: The binding agent to hold all the ingredients together and keep the meatballs moist.

Garlic: For that aromatic kick that brings the meatballs to life.

Italian Seasoning: A must-have blend of herbs that gives the meatballs that perfect Italian flavor.

Salt & Pepper: To taste, of course!

Mozzarella Cheese: For that melty, gooey cheese pull when you bite into the meatballs.

Marinara Sauce: The classic sauce that brings everything together—tangy, rich, and perfect for dunking.

Olive Oil: To brown the meatballs and add a little richness.

Fresh Basil: For a fresh and fragrant finish on top.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these cheesy, flavorful meatballs:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your meatballs bake evenly and get nice and crispy.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork the mixture or the meatballs may turn out tough.

Form the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should have around 20 meatballs, depending on the size.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides.

Bake the Meatballs: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Top with Marinara & Mozzarella: Remove the meatballs from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each one. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs over pasta, in a sandwich, or as a standalone dish with a side of veggies or garlic bread. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These meatballs are perfect for a variety of meals! Here are some serving suggestions:

– Over spaghetti or any of your favorite pasta for a classic Chicken Parmesan experience.
– In a toasted sub roll with extra marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a perfect meatball sub.
– On their own with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a lighter meal that still satisfies.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make the most of this recipe:
– If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can bake the meatballs without browning them in a pan. Just skip the searing step and bake them directly.
– You can make these meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
– Feel free to add extra cheese to the meatballs themselves for even more cheesy goodness!
– If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.

FAQ’s

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey will work just fine and will give you a similar result.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought marinara sauce will do the trick.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs or fully cooked ones for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven or on the stove.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re just as tasty the next day!
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Can I add other ingredients to the meatballs?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrients.
Can I use fresh mozzarella?
Yes, fresh mozzarella is a great option! Just slice it thinly and place it on top of the meatballs before baking.
Can I make the meatballs smaller or larger?
You can adjust the size of the meatballs to your liking. Just keep an eye on the cooking time if you make them larger or smaller.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge or freezer before cooking. Just bake them when you’re ready.
Can I make this a low-carb version?
Yes, you can skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour or another low-carb alternative to keep the meatballs low-carb.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a fun, bite-sized form. With tender, juicy meatballs, melty cheese, and rich marinara sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them over pasta or as a sandwich, these meatballs are sure to satisfy. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!