Name: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe

This is the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe I can never get enough of: a classic comfort food mashup that’s quick, family-friendly, and oh-so-satisfying. You get all the flavor and nostalgic charm of Chicken Parm, but in juicy, golden-brown meatball form, blanketed in tangy marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish delivers crowd-pleasing flavor with minimal effort. Let’s get right into why you’ll come back to this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe again and again!

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe keeps it straightforward, yet every ingredient plays a vital role—adding moisture, depth, or that beautiful golden finish we all crave. Here’s what you’ll need, with tips for each:

Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the savory flavors and stays deliciously juicy when mixed just right.
Egg: Binds everything together and keeps your meatballs from falling apart.
Panko breadcrumbs: These add just enough lightness, helping keep your meatballs tender rather than dense.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (divided): Sharp, nutty, and salty—it’s the flavor backbone; grate it yourself for best results.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings out those classic, comforting Italian notes.
Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with a punch of flavor without overpowering.
Onion powder: A subtle way to add sweetness and depth without any chopping tears!
Salt: Essential for rounding out all the other flavors.
Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and balance.
Olive oil for frying: Gets you those gorgeous golden-brown edges and adds richness.
Marinara sauce: Look for a sauce you’d happily eat by the spoon—it’s key for flavor and moisture.
Shredded mozzarella: That stretch, that melt, that irresistible bubbling top—don’t skimp here!

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 375F and move that rack up to the top third. This gives the meatballs the perfect environment to cook through, and sets you up for that final cheesy, bubbly finish. Advance oven prep means you won’t lose your momentum once the meatballs are ready to bake!

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a large prep bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, egg, panko, half of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and a few generous grinds of pepper. Use your hands for this part—it’s the best way to make sure everything is incorporated without overworking the mixture. Don’t worry if it feels a bit wet; this is what keeps them juicy! Form the mixture into 1-inch balls (aim for about 20) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the meatballs in two batches, browning them on all sides. Use tongs to turn them gently; they’ll take about five minutes per batch. If you notice the skillet drying out during the second round, add a splash more oil. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate—you’ll finish them in the oven soon.

Step 4: Prepare the Skillet

If your skillet has lots of excess oil, pour off most of it but resist the urge to wipe out those golden-brown bits sticking to the bottom; they’re pure flavor! Allow the pan to cool for a minute or two so you don’t get splattered when you pour in the marinara. This quick pause saves your stovetop (and your shirt).

Step 5: Build the Sauce and Cheese Layer

Pour the marinara sauce into the slightly cooled skillet, scraping up as many caramelized bits as you can. Gently nestle the meatballs back into the sauce, arranging them evenly. Shower the tops with the rest of the parmesan and then the shredded mozzarella. This is where the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe gets that signature gooey-cheesy personality!

Step 6: Bake and Broil

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes—just enough to cook the meatballs through and melt all that cheese on top. For a finishing touch, switch to broil for one or two minutes. Keep an eagle eye here; you want the cheese golden and melty, not burnt. Take a deep breath and just wait for those mouthwatering aromas to fill your kitchen!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley over the hot, bubbling skillet adds both color and this zippy freshness that balances all the richer flavors. An extra sprinkle of parmesan never hurts, and if you’re a big fan of a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes on top can take your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe to the next level. Serve straight from the skillet for the ultimate comfort-food experience.

Side Dishes

You really can’t go wrong with a classic pairing of spaghetti or your favorite pasta to soak up all that yummy marinara sauce. Alternatively, nestle these meatballs on garlic bread for an irresistible sandwich, or try them over mashed potatoes or zucchini noodles for a fun twist. Add a crisp green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette and you’ve got the perfect, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe isn’t just for cozy dinners; turn these into irresistible party bites by skewering them with toothpicks and serving warm as appetizers. For a family-style touch, pile them high in the skillet or on a platter and let everyone dig in. You can even tuck leftovers into hoagie rolls and broil for just a minute for the tastiest homemade meatball subs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply transfer the meatballs (with their saucy, cheesy topping) into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay good for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen, so next-day meatballs might taste even richer and more savory. Make sure they’re fully cooled before refrigerating.

Freezing

This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is freezer-friendly! Once completely cooled, arrange the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. They’ll happily keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer meatballs and sauce to a baking dish or skillet, cover with foil, and warm in a 350F oven until hot and bubbly (about 15 minutes if thawed; a bit longer from frozen). For a quick single serving, you can use the microwave, but reheat in short increments to keep the cheese gooey and not rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe, offering a similar mild flavor and juicy texture. Adjust seasoning as needed, but the process and cook time remain the same.

What type of marinara sauce is best?

Go with a high-quality jarred sauce you genuinely enjoy. A simple, classic tomato basil marinara lets the parmesan and mozzarella shine, but if you like a chunkier sauce or one with roasted garlic or herbs, feel free to experiment!

Do I need to use freshly grated parmesan?

For the best melt and flavor, freshly grated parmesan makes a noticeable difference—it adds a creamy, nutty punch that pre-grated cheeses just can’t quite match. If you’re pressed for time, pre-shredded works in a pinch but isn’t quite as luxurious.

Can I prep the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can mix and shape the raw meatballs a day ahead. Store them covered in the fridge on a lined baking sheet, then proceed as directed when ready. This is a great way to save time on busy nights while still serving a fresh Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

Look for juicy, cheese-topped meatballs that are no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer should register at least 165F in the middle. The final broil adds irresistible golden color, so don’t skip that step!

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching for a meal that’s both comforting and impressively tasty, give this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe a try. It’s hard to resist those tender meatballs, that bubbling cheese, and loads of saucy flavor. Trust me—once you make it, you’ll want to put it on your regular dinner rotation!

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 4 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining juicy ground chicken with savory seasonings, topped with marinara sauce and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until well combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
Fry the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, then set aside.
Assemble the Dish: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, add the meatballs, and sprinkle with remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
Bake and Broil: Bake the dish for 15 minutes to cook the meatballs through, then broil briefly to brown the cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: Italian