If you’re looking to elevate your comfort food game, these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy meatballs infused with all the classic pizza flavors, swimming in a pool of rich marinara sauce, and topped with a melting blanket of mozzarella. Can you taste it already? I thought so!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort in Every Bite: These meatballs combine everything you love about Chicken Parmesan in a bite-sized treat.
- Perfectly Cheesy: The generous amount of parmesan and mozzarella makes these meatballs decadently cheesy.
- Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep, you’ll impress your taste buds and family with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or in a sandwich, you’ll never run out of serving options.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs lies in the harmony between simple ingredients. Each element is thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavor, texture, or visual appeal of this beloved dish.
- Ground Chicken: The base of our meatballs – light and full of protein.
- Egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These ensure your meatballs are crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: A quintessential Italian cheese providing bold flavor and creamy texture.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives your meatballs that authentic Italian flair.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Essential for imparting robust savory notes.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors, a staple for balance.
- Olive Oil: For frying, it adds richness and a slightly fruity undertone.
- Marinara Sauce: A luscious base that your meatballs will bathe in.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Ensures a melty, gooey top layer that’s utterly irresistible.
Variations
Don’t shy away from experimenting with this recipe. These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are wonderfully adaptable, making it a breeze to tailor to your taste buds or dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a hint of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375F, setting the stage for a spectacular meal. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, egg, panko, half of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Take care not to overwork the mixture—it should be slightly wet for moist meatballs. Form them into 1-inch balls and place them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs in batches until they’re golden brown. This step ensures a flavorful crust that locks in all the juices. Use tongs for easy turning, and place the browned meatballs on a plate, ready for their saucy embrace.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Drain excess oil from the skillet, but leave those precious browned bits—they are flavor dynamo! Add marinara sauce and nestle the meatballs in. Shower with remaining parmesan and a generous layer of mozzarella. Transfer to the oven, baking until the cheese melts to gooey perfection and the meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Browning Perfection: Keep a vigilant watch while searing and turn the meatballs frequently for uniform browning.
- Sensible Sizing: Make meatballs evenly sized, ensuring they cook through at the same rate.
- Flavor Boost: Don’t shy away from seasoning—using fresh giant flakes of parmesan gives a stronger flavor.
- Cheese Crust: Broil at the end if you wish for a bubbly, lightly golden cheese topping.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Garnishes
Add freshly chopped parsley or torn basil leaves before serving. These herbs add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich flavors in the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. Both options complement the savory richness of the meatballs and provide a delightful textural balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the meatballs atop a bed of spaghetti or in a crusty baguette for sumptuous meatball subs. You can also arrange them on skewers for a fun appetizer at parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and are perfect for quick meals throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. They keep well for up to 3 months, making a convenient future meal option.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce for added moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will provide similar texture and flavors, making it just as delicious!
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What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You can use a homemade tomato sauce or even a blush sauce if you prefer a creamier texture. Adjust seasonings as needed to maintain the Italian essence.
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How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure you mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently. The combination of egg and panko serves as a wonderful binder, so don’t skip them!
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How can I tell when the meatballs are done?
Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs offer a delightful twist on a classic dish and are sure to win over anyone who tries them. Brimming with delectable flavor, they promise to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy the delicious journey!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A flavorful twist on classic Italian meatballs, these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are baked to perfection with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, topped with marinara sauce. Easy to make and packed with protein, they make a satisfying meal for any night.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 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
For Frying and Assembly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, aiming for around 20 pieces. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Brown meatballs: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches (about 2 batches), turning every few minutes until browned all over, approximately 5 minutes per batch. Use tongs for easy handling. Add more oil if needed for the second batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Prepare for baking: Drain excess oil from the skillet if necessary, leaving browned bits for flavor. Remove the skillet from heat briefly, then pour marinara sauce into the skillet, spreading the meatballs evenly in the sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Broil (optional): Finish with a brief broil to brown the cheese to your liking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a quicker alternative, you can broil the assembled meatballs with cheese for 2-3 minutes rather than baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 meatballs with sauce and cheese)
- Calories: 586 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 2025 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 204 mg
