Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite, combining tender ground chicken with rich cheese and savory marinara sauce. These meatballs are perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or serving at your next gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the top third.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko, half of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until well combined, being careful not to overwork. The mixture will be wet. Form into about 20 one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in two batches, turning frequently with tongs, until browned on all sides—about 5 minutes per batch. Add more olive oil if needed between batches. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
4. Step 4: If there’s excess oil in the skillet, drain most of it but leave the browned bits. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent splattering when adding sauce.
5. Step 5: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, then return the meatballs, arranging them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and shredded mozzarella over the top.
6. Step 6: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil for a few minutes afterward, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added brightness in the meatball mixture or as a garnish.
• Substitute ground turkey if you prefer a different lean protein.
• Serve with spaghetti or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of milk to the meatball mixture.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To freeze, place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

Yes, pre-shredded cheese works fine and saves time, but freshly grated parmesan tends to have a better flavor and melts more smoothly.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

You can brown the meatballs in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding sauce and cheese for baking.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 137 reviews

This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe features tender ground chicken meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, lightly fried to a golden brown, then baked in a rich marinara sauce topped with parmesan and mozzarella cheese. It’s a delicious twist on classic chicken Parmesan that makes for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 20 meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Sauce and Topping

• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (remaining half)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack to the top third to ensure the cheese browns nicely later.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until just combined—avoid overworking the mixture to keep meatballs tender. The mixture will be somewhat wet.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into approximately 20 meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
4. Brown Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in two batches, turning frequently with tongs to brown all sides evenly. Each batch will take about 5 minutes. Add more olive oil if necessary for the second batch. Once browned, transfer meatballs to a plate.
5. Prepare for Baking: If excess oil remains in the skillet, carefully drain it but retain the browned bits for flavor. Remove the skillet from heat for a couple minutes to prevent marinara sauce from splattering when added.
6. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and return the browned meatballs, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese followed by the shredded mozzarella over the top.
7. Bake and Broil: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to finish cooking. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, switch oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to prevent burning.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe skillet to simplify transfer from stovetop to oven without extra dishes.
• Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
• If preferred, fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded for a creamier texture.
• Broiling time is optional but enhances the cheese’s appearance and texture—watch carefully to avoid burning.
• These meatballs can be served with pasta, on a sub roll, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, Italian, Dinner, Comfort Food, Marinara, Parmesan, Mozzarella