If you are craving a cozy Italian comfort dish that’s bursting with flavor, you simply must try this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs combine the wholesome goodness of ground chicken with classic Italian herbs, Parmesan, and melty mozzarella, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce. It’s everything you love about chicken Parmesan, reimagined into bite-sized, shareable delights. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to the table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe a stunning success. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from creating the perfect texture to layering the classic Italian flavors you adore.
- Ground chicken: The lean and tender protein base for light yet juicy meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: They hold the meatballs together and add a subtle crunch to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that defines the dish’s signature flavor.
- Egg, beaten: Acts as a binder to keep everything perfectly combined.
- Finely chopped parsley: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten up the meat mixture.
- Finely chopped onion: Sweetness and depth that meld seamlessly with the garlic.
- Minced garlic cloves: Infuses bold, aromatic flavor essential to Italian cooking.
- Dried oregano: Offers a warm, slightly peppery herb undertone.
- Dried basil: Adds a fragrant, sweet herbal element for that unmistakable Italian vibe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors and brings balance.
- Marinara sauce: The luscious tomato sauce that ties everything together with acidity and sweetness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey topping that makes this dish irresistible.
How to Make Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by mixing your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, parsley, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper all together in a large bowl. This step is where the magic begins as all those fantastic flavors meld and the mixture takes on a sticky, workable texture perfect for shaping.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Next, carefully form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs about one inch in diameter. The size is key here—it ensures they cook evenly and remain tender inside while getting a nice browned exterior.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked through. This not only enhances their flavor through caramelization but also locks in the juiciness.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once the meatballs are nicely browned, pour the marinara sauce over them and generously sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. This step transforms the meatballs into a melty, bubbling feast that’s irresistibly cheesy and saucy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet (or move everything to an oven-safe dish) into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely and bubbles invitingly on top, ensuring every bite is warm, gooey, and full of flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or extra Parmesan cheese just before serving adds a wonderful aromatic touch and makes your presentation instantly impressive. A few red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti for a classic feel, or on a bed of creamy polenta for a silky, comforting finish. For lighter options, serve alongside a crisp Italian salad or roasted vegetables to balance the cheesy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe into an appetizer by skewering them or placing them on toasted Italian bread for mini meatball subs. You can even serve them atop garlic bread or stuffed peppers for a fun twist that’ll wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let your chicken parm meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them great for quick reheated meals during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, freeze the uncooked meatballs on a sheet pan first, then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a covered dish in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to keep them moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and delivers similar moisture and flavor. Just make sure to not overcook, as turkey can dry out more quickly.
Is it necessary to bake the meatballs after browning?
Browning alone cooks the meatballs on the stovetop, but baking finishes the cooking gently while melting the cheese and blending flavors perfectly. Skipping the bake step might result in a less cohesive dish.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs both work well. If you want more flavor, Italian seasoned adds herbs and spices, but plain allows you to control seasoning better.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook, which makes busy weeknight dinners quicker and easier.
Are these meatballs suitable for low-carb diets?
Because they contain breadcrumbs, these meatballs are not strictly low-carb, but you can swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make them more keto-friendly without sacrificing texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both homey and special, easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company. With every bite, you get a perfect balance of tender chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant herbs that’s pure comfort on a plate. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy classic Italian flavors!
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Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Delicious and tender Chicken Parm Meatballs that combine ground chicken with Italian seasonings, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese, cooked to perfection by pan-searing followed by baking to melt the cheese and infuse the meatballs with marinara sauce flavor.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Topping
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meatballs: Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the meatballs on stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil if desired. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the cooked meatballs in the skillet. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the meatballs and sauce.
- Bake to finish: Transfer the skillet or move the meatballs with sauce and cheese into an oven-safe dish if needed. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the mozzarella cheese has melted completely and is bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh parsley and garlic to enhance flavor.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Make sure meatballs are cooked through in the skillet before baking to ensure food safety.
- You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate before cooking for convenience.
- Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
