If you have a craving for comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Tender ground chicken meatballs, infused with fragrant basil, garlic, and melty cheeses, baked to perfection, and then bathed in rich marinara sauce create a delicious harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving these meatballs over pasta, on a sub, or all on their own, this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe delivers all the joy of traditional chicken Parmesan in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for sharing or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an important role in making these meatballs flavorful, moist, and utterly delicious. The combination of breadcrumbs and egg creates the perfect binding, while the cheeses bring creamy richness. Fresh basil and garlic add vibrant aroma, and a touch of red pepper flakes give just the right hint of warmth.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together without being heavy.
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs: Use gluten free if needed; they add texture and help absorb moisture.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers salty, nutty umami to deepen the flavor.
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts inside the meatballs for gooey cheesiness.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil: Provides fresh herbal notes and bright color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a subtle pungency that balances the cheeses.
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A classic blend bringing savory depth and complexity.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 lb. ground chicken: Use lean and fresh for tender meatballs; can substitute with other ground meats if preferred.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Keeps meatballs moist and helps with browning during baking.
- Marinara sauce: The perfect tangy tomato base to coat and elevate the meatballs at serving.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, grab a baking sheet and lightly coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage browning. This simple step ensures your meatballs bake evenly and come out with a beautiful golden exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Flavor Bomb Base
In a large bowl, whisk the egg until smooth, then add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, chopped basil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a thorough mix so the flavors marry together and each bite packs that signature Chicken Parmesan punch.
Step 3: Incorporate the Ground Chicken
Now gently fold in the ground chicken with your hands or a spoon, just until the ingredients are combined. Over-mixing can make meatballs dense, so the key is to be gentle for tender results that almost melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Prep for Rolling
Drizzle olive oil over your baking sheet and rub it around to coat well. The olive oil also lightly coats your hands, making it much easier and less messy to roll those perfectly round meatballs.
Step 5: Shape the Meatballs
Using about ¼ cup of the mixture per meatball, roll the meat into smooth balls and place them on the oiled baking sheet. Rolling them in olive oil on the sheet helps form a crisp, golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes. The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are nicely browned on the outside. This step locks in the juiciness and cooks the cheeses inside to a melty delight.
Step 7: Simmer in Marinara
While meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce gently on the stove over medium heat. When the meatballs are ready, toss them in the fragrant sauce so every bite is coated in that tangy tomato goodness. Serve with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley bring brightness and freshness that contrast beautifully with rich, cheesy meatballs. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds savory depth and a touch of elegance to the presentation.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are endlessly versatile! Serve them atop a bed of spaghetti or your favorite gluten-free pasta for a classic meal. For low-carb options, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles work wonders. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad can round out the plate with texture and flavor balance.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe in mini sub rolls topped with melted mozzarella for irresistible meatball subs. Another fun idea is skewering them with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for party-ready appetizers that turn heads and vanish quickly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the marinara separate to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy, and reheat just before serving.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, fully cooked meatballs freeze beautifully. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months and are a lifesaver for busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated chicken Parmesan meatballs gently in a saucepan with marinara sauce over low heat, or microwave them covered to retain moisture. If frozen, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other ground meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe works great with ground turkey, beef, pork, or even a blend. Just adjust cooking times slightly depending on the meat’s fat content.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten free?
Yes! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Make sure the marinara sauce is also gluten free for a completely safe and delicious meal.
Can I freeze these meatballs before cooking?
While it’s best to freeze fully cooked meatballs, you can freeze raw meatballs shaped on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then store in a bag. Just bake them longer when ready to cook, checking internal temperature carefully.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The key is to not over-mix and to use binding ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs. Coating your hands with olive oil while rolling helps form smooth, tightly packed meatballs that hold their shape during baking.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil works but use about one-third the amount since it’s more concentrated. You can also try fresh parsley or oregano for different flavor twists.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into something spectacularly tasty and comforting. Once you try it, I bet you’ll want to make it again and again — perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a little delicious love in your kitchen.
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 15 meatballs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender ground chicken with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, fresh basil, and flavorful herbs. Baked to perfection and served with warm marinara sauce, they make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten free if required)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 lb. ground chicken (use lean ground beef, pork, turkey, or a combination of ground meats)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Marinara sauce (quantity as needed for tossing and serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by setting it aside for later use.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg until beaten. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Ground Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the mixture and gently fold it in until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Drizzle the olive oil over the baking sheet and rub it around with your hands. This not only coats the pan but also prepares your hands for easier rolling of the meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Portion out the mixture into ¼ cup-sized balls and roll them into smooth meatballs. Place each meatball onto the oiled baking sheet and lightly roll them in the olive oil for a nice coating.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Warm Sauce and Serve: While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warm marinara sauce. Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free if necessary.
- Ground chicken can be substituted with lean ground beef, pork, turkey, or a mixture as preferred.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the meatballs to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- These meatballs can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking for convenience.
