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
Scale
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.
