Name: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 small yellow onion (finely diced, about ½ cup, optional); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten free if needed); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 1 large egg; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with comfort food all over again! Chicken Parmesan Meatballs take all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan and pack them into juicy, tender meatballs bathed in marinara and blanketed with gooey melted cheese. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings, thanks to its rich flavor and incredibly craveable texture. If you adore that perfect marriage of savory chicken, melty mozzarella, and fragrant Italian herbs, these meatballs are about to be your new obsession.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is how wonderfully simple the components are. Each ingredient plays an essential role, offering savory richness, harmonizing textures, or a pop of freshness—no ingredient is wasted, and each brings something vibrant to the plate.

Ground chicken: The star of the show, ground chicken is lean, tender, and absorbs all the Italian flavors beautifully.
Yellow onion (finely diced): Optional but highly recommended for juicy meatballs and a subtle sweetness.
Garlic (minced): Gives the meatballs that irresistible aromatic punch.
Breadcrumbs: Hold everything together and keep the meatballs soft; gluten free varieties work well here.
Grated parmesan cheese (divided): Half goes into the meatballs for depth and richness, the other half melts on top for that classic Italian finish.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to help the meatballs keep their shape.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds brightness and a fresh herbal note.
Italian seasoning: Brings together the signature flavors of oregano, basil, and thyme for true Italian flair.
Salt: Essential for enhancing every savory layer of flavor.
Ground black pepper: Balances the richness with a little peppery warmth.
Marinara sauce: The luscious base for simmering—choose your favorite homemade or store-bought version.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, golden topping for that classic “parm” appeal.
Fresh basil (for garnish): A final flourish of color and bright, peppery aroma you won’t want to skip.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Mixture

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and combining the ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ½ cup of the grated parmesan, egg, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands is not just allowed but encouraged—it’s the best way to ensure everything is mixed evenly without overworking the meat. Be gentle; you want the ingredients just combined so your meatballs stay light and tender.

Step 2: Warm Up the Marinara

Pour your marinara sauce into a wide, deep pan (one that has a lid—you’ll need it soon). Set the pan over gentle heat on the stove while you form the meatballs. This step is key so your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs can slip right into a cozy, warm bath to start their flavor journey.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Using a 3-tablespoon scoop or your hands, portion out the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs. To get flawless, round shapes, roll each portion gently between dampened palms—wetting your hands with a little water makes the process so much smoother and keeps the mixture from sticking.

Step 4: Simmer in Marinara

Once formed, add the meatballs gently into the simmering marinara, arranging them in a single layer. The sauce should be just barely bubbling—not boiling hard. Simmer with the lid on for about 15 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through. They’ll absorb all the tomatoey goodness and reach a juicy 165°F (74°C) in the center.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topping

With the meatballs cooked through, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the top, then blanket everything with shredded mozzarella. Pop the whole pan under a preheated broiler for 3 to 5 minutes. You’re ready when the cheese is bubbly, golden, and impossible to resist. A shower of fresh basil just before serving makes it even more special.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Garnishes

A final flurry of fresh basil and maybe even a pinch of extra parmesan truly sets these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs apart. Not only does the basil add a pop of color, but its peppery aroma brightens up every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper add a little rustic flair and gentle heat.

Side Dishes

These meatballs beg to be paired with something equally comforting. Classically, you can’t go wrong serving them atop a swirl of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. They’re also wonderful over fluffy rice, buttered noodles, or even piled onto a toasted roll for a unforgettable meatball sub. Steamed green vegetables or a big, lemony salad make refreshing sides to cut the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game-day gatherings, try serving Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with toothpicks as a hearty appetizer. Or, tuck them into slider buns for a playful take on sandwiches. If you’re making dinner for two, nestle the meatballs in individual baking dishes for a quaint, restaurant-style presentation—everyone loves their own mini casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs keep their flavor and texture beautifully for up to 4 days. Be sure to scoop out plenty of marinara with each meatball so they stay moist and saucy.

Freezing

These meatballs are fantastic for meal prep! Let them cool fully, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to zip-top bags or containers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months, making weeknight dinners a total breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of extra marinara or water if needed to loosen the sauce. From frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results. In a pinch, the microwave works well—just cover the dish to keep the meatballs juicy.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and brings a similar lean, tender texture to the meatballs. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and comforting.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No worries—just use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if you have them on hand. Even plain dried oregano makes a lovely substitute and keeps the spirit of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs alive.

How do I make this recipe gluten free?

Simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten free version. Every other ingredient is naturally gluten free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Is it possible to bake the meatballs instead of simmering?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 15–17 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then add them to the marinara, top with cheese, and broil as directed for that signature finish.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Choose a marinara you love—it really makes a difference here! A chunky, garlic-heavy sauce brings a rustic, robust flavor, while a smoother, plainer sauce will let the herbs and cheese in the meatballs shine through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that combines classic Italian flavors with a playful twist, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs fit the bill perfectly. These are everything you love and crave about chicken parm, delivered in bite-sized form. Give them a try—the only regret you’ll have is not making a double batch!

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 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 Parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. Served in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients (ground chicken, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper). Mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add marinara to a pan (that has a lid) and heat it over gentle heat as you portion out the meatballs.
Use a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out meatballs, roll them between your hands and drop them into the simmering marinara sauce.
Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through. Ensure the internal temp of the meatballs reaches 165°F/74°C.
Preheat the broiler, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the meatballs followed by mozzarella. Broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and browned. Garnish with basil and serve over pasta, rice, or garlic bread.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Be careful when broiling the meatballs to avoid burning the cheese topping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Simmering, Broiling
Cuisine: Italian