If you are craving a comforting Italian-inspired dish that packs a flavorful punch, this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy ground chicken meets the cheesy goodness of Parmesan and mozzarella, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce. These meatballs are tender, delicious, and perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests without any fuss. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as charming as it is satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret behind the amazing taste and texture of this recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding moisture, flavor, or that classic Italian flair that makes Chicken Parmesan meatballs irresistible.
- 1 pound ground chicken: Provides a lean, tender base for the meatballs that stays juicy after cooking.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and that iconic cheesy tang unique to Parmesan.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and keeps them light and fluffy.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a pop of fresh herbaceous brightness to balance the richness.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the natural glue holding all ingredients in perfect harmony.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meatballs with aromatic, mouthwatering flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite sing.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a delicate hint of warmth and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Gives a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Ideal for browning the meatballs to a perfect golden crust.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: The luscious tomato sauce that envelops each meatball in classic Italian comfort.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Used as garnish, these add bright color and an herby fragrance to the finished dish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready to give your meatballs that perfect bake once they’ve been seared, locking in all their flavors and juices.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything thoroughly — this is key to creating evenly flavored, tender meatballs.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Placing them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the meatballs from sticking.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing each side until golden and crispy — about 5 minutes per batch. This step adds incredible texture and flavor you simply can’t skip.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Lower the heat and carefully pour the marinara sauce into the skillet. Nestle the browned meatballs back into the sauce, letting them soak up those tangy, herb-infused tomato flavors.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs and sauce. This cheesy layer will melt perfectly in the oven, binding everything together with gooey goodness.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re aiming for fully cooked meatballs and bubbling, golden cheese — that’s when you know they’re ready.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. These add a beautiful, fragrant finishing touch that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the star garnish here, lending a pop of vibrant green and an aromatic lift. If you want, add a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a few torn basil petals for an elegant presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with spaghetti or any favorite pasta to soak up that savory sauce. For a lighter side, consider a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Crusty garlic bread also works beautifully to scoop up all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe as sliders on mini buns with melted mozzarella for a fun party appetizer. Or layer them in a baked ziti casserole where they marry with pasta and béchamel sauce for a hearty family meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and meatballs together to maintain flavor and moisture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply cool the meatballs completely after baking, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave until heated through. For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground chicken keeps the meatballs light and juicy, you can swap in ground turkey or a blend of beef and pork for a richer flavor and slightly different texture.
Do I have to brown the meatballs before baking?
Browning adds fantastic flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake the meatballs directly in the sauce. Just expect a softer exterior.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free crackers or oats to keep them safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How spicy are these meatballs with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth that complements the flavors without being too spicy. Adjust the amount to your preference or leave it out if you prefer no heat.
Can I prepare the meatball mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs a day ahead, storing them covered in the fridge. Just brown and bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe brings together the best of comfort food with a fresh twist on a beloved classic. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to shine as a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and enjoy those ooey-gooey, flavor-packed bites that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs (4 servings)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs combine tender ground chicken with classic Italian flavors like Parmesan and fresh parsley, baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Seared for a golden crust and finished in the oven, they make a delicious and satisfying meal perfect on their own or served over pasta.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Cooking
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs after searing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well combined for even flavor distribution.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet to keep them uniform in size.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. In batches, add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per batch, then remove and set aside.
- Add Sauce: Lower the heat to low, carefully add marinara sauce to the skillet, then return the seared meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them to coat well.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced meatballs for a melty topping.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a fragrant, fresh finish.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot alone or over pasta or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to sear and bake the meatballs in the same pan, making cleanup easier.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing meatballs to ensure they brown evenly.
- These meatballs freeze well; freeze before baking and cook from frozen, adding extra baking time.
- For a lower fat option, use a non-stick skillet and reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley, about 1 tablespoon dried.
