Zesty Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Crafting the perfect chicken parmesan meatballs requires a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of culinary magic.

Succulent ground chicken blends seamlessly with classic Italian seasonings for an irresistible twist.

Crispy breadcrumbs and melted mozzarella create a golden exterior that promises pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing protein-packed delight.

Marinara sauce adds a vibrant complement that elevates each tender bite.

Comfort meets sophistication in this playful reimagining of a beloved Italian-American classic.

We bet you’ll want to make these meatballs again and again – so roll up those sleeves and let’s cook!

Why Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Are So Good

• Craft with Ease: Requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Customize Your Meal: Versatile recipe that lets you serve meatballs over pasta, on a sub roll, or with vegetables, making it adaptable for different preferences.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Packed with familiar Italian flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, turning mealtime into a delightful experience.
• Healthier Protein Option: Uses lean ground chicken instead of beef, offering a lighter alternative without compromising on taste and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: The primary protein that forms the foundation of these delicious meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs and provide a light texture.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to hold the meatballs together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatballs.

• Parsley, Garlic, Oregano: Fresh herbs and aromatics that provide depth and complexity to the meatball flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds a classic Italian tomato sauce flavor to the meatballs.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, gooey topping that completes the Chicken Parmesan style.

• Olive Oil: Used for light greasing of the baking sheet.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking during baking.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375F (190C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper, then give it a light olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Tasty Morsels

Roll the mixture into 12-14 adorable meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball.

Gently place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving each one some breathing room.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let the meatballs dance and sizzle for 20-25 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook through completely.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Transformation

Pull out the meatballs and drizzle a generous spoonful of marinara sauce over each one.

Sprinkle a blanket of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 6: Final Cheese Melt

Return the meatballs to the oven for another 5-7 minutes.

Watch as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, gooey masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Plate these beauties with your favorite pasta, nestle them in a sub roll, or pair with crisp vegetables.

Dig in and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips for Juicy and Cheesy Parmesan Meatballs

• Add a splash of milk or water to the ground chicken mixture to keep the meatballs moist and tender during baking.
• Mix in extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil to enhance the overall taste profile of the meatballs.
• Use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to create uniform-sized meatballs that cook evenly and look professional.
• Select ground chicken with 93% lean meat to reduce excess fat while maintaining a juicy texture in the meatballs.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Chicken Parmesan Meatball Swaps to Try

• Ground Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a slightly different flavor profile and lean protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Alternative
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with grated zucchini or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining texture.

Pairings for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the rich, cheesy meatballs without overwhelming their delicate chicken flavor.

Toss together fresh arugula, basil, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to cut through the meatballs’ richness and add brightness.

Bake a warm, crusty focaccia bread to soak up the marinara sauce and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender meatballs.

Prepare a red sangria with fresh citrus and a touch of cinnamon to balance the savory meatball flavors and add a refreshing summer twist.

Storing Parmesan Meatballs for Leftovers

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works perfectly with the same seasonings and cooking method.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.

• Is it possible to make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months.

• Do I need to roll the meatballs exactly 1-1.5 inches?

No, you can adjust the size slightly, but keep them uniform so they cook evenly. Just ensure all meatballs are roughly the same size.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken parmesan meatballs blend Italian comfort with modern flair, creating a mouthwatering twist on classic cuisine. Cheese-stuffed and marinara-glazed, these delectable bites promise a delicious journey through rich, hearty flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil for baking

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly coating with olive oil for easy release.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Using clean hands, shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs approximately 1-1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange the formed meatballs carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving slight space between each to promote proper heat circulation.
5. Roast the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until they turn golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature.
6. Once cooked, delicately spoon marinara sauce over each meatball, then generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly bubbling surface.
8. Plate the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs alongside pasta, nestled in a sub roll, or paired with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs tender and prevent dryness during baking.
• Gently mix ingredients to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising flavor or binding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg