Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs bring together the beloved flavors of chicken Parm in a fun, bite-sized form. Juicy meatballs made with ground chicken, Parmesan, and Italian herbs are baked in marinara and topped with melted mozzarella, making them perfect for dinner, meal prep, or game day snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make and ready in under an hour
• All the cheesy, saucy goodness of chicken Parmesan in a meatball
• Perfect for serving over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer
• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
• Gluten-free adaptable with a simple swap

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground chicken
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs (regular, panko, or gluten-free)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder or minced garlic
• Onion powder or finely grated onion
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Marinara sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil, flour for dredging

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Form into meatballs about the size of a golf ball.
4. Optional: Lightly dredge meatballs in flour or additional breadcrumbs for a crispier exterior.
5. Sear the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides (about 1–2 minutes per side).
6. Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 165°F) and cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Optionally broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese. Garnish with parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6 (yields about 20 meatballs)
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey, beef, or a mix of meats instead of chicken
• Make it gluten-free with gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Add chopped spinach or grated zucchini for extra veggies
• Serve on hoagie rolls for meatball subs
• Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce in the mix

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave
• Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating or baking

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the meatball mixture.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze cooked or raw meatballs and thaw before baking or reheating.

Can I cook them entirely in the oven?

Yes, you can skip searing and bake them directly at 400°F for 25–30 minutes.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

They should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What sides go well with this?

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta, or inside sub rolls for sandwiches.

Can I use fresh garlic and onion?

Yes. Sauté finely chopped fresh garlic and onion before mixing them in for more flavor.

Can I prep them ahead of time?

Yes, form the meatballs and refrigerate up to a day ahead. Bake when ready.

Can I add extra cheese?

Definitely. Mozzarella inside the meatballs or extra Parmesan on top is delicious.

What sauce is best for this?

A good-quality store-bought or homemade marinara works best. You can also try a spicy arrabbiata.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, offering comfort food satisfaction with weeknight simplicity. Whether served with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own, they’re guaranteed to become a household staple.

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