Chicken Parm Meatballs

Imagine the comfort of crispy, golden-brown meatballs oozing with melty cheese, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan. That’s exactly what you get with these Chicken Parm Meatballs. They’re juicy, cheesy, and totally crave-worthy, bringing all the flavors of chicken Parmesan in a fun and easy-to-make form. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or just on their own, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parm Meatballs

This recipe isn’t just about a few simple ingredients—it’s about making mealtime feel extra special. Here’s why this dish is a winner:

Versatile:

These meatballs are incredibly versatile! You can serve them with spaghetti, throw them into a sandwich, or just enjoy them as a snack with a side of marinara for dipping.

Budget-Friendly:

Using ground chicken and a few pantry staples, this recipe is a wallet-friendly way to indulge in all the flavors of chicken Parmesan without the high price tag.

Quick and Easy:

These meatballs come together in no time, and they cook fast, making them perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and delicious without the hassle.

Customizable:

Feel free to add extra spices or switch up the cheese. Want a little extra kick? Add some red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. Or use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra cheesy goodness.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Who doesn’t love a meatball? These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making them the perfect dish for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients in Chicken Parm Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these deliciously cheesy meatballs:

Ground Chicken:

The base of the meatballs, ground chicken is lean and light, but still packed with flavor. When mixed with breadcrumbs and seasoning, it stays moist and juicy.

Bread Crumbs:

These help bind the meatballs together and give them that crispy exterior once cooked. Feel free to use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten.

Parmesan Cheese:

The nutty, salty flavor of Parmesan is what gives these meatballs that signature chicken parm taste. Plus, it helps keep everything extra cheesy!

Mozzarella Cheese:

Because what’s chicken parm without melty mozzarella? The mozzarella adds gooey, cheesy goodness inside the meatballs and makes them irresistibly creamy.

Egg:

The egg helps hold everything together, creating a light yet cohesive texture in the meatballs.

Garlic:

Freshly minced garlic adds depth and savory flavor, making every bite extra flavorful.

Italian Seasoning:

A classic combination of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives these meatballs that classic Italian flair.

Salt and Pepper:

A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper is all it takes to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.

Marinara Sauce:

To top it all off, a good marinara sauce is essential for that authentic chicken Parmesan experience. Use your favorite jarred sauce, or better yet, make your own!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to make these Chicken Parm Meatballs:

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the meatballs cook evenly and get that perfect crispy crust.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture, or the meatballs might turn out tough.

Form the Meatballs:

Roll the mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs. You should get about 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size.

Bake the Meatballs:

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; the center should be no longer pink.

Add the Marinara Sauce:

Once the meatballs are baked, remove them from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each meatball. You can be generous with the sauce here—more is always better when it comes to chicken parm!

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle a little more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the saucy meatballs. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the meatballs from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and serve! Enjoy them with pasta, in a sub roll for a sandwich, or on their own with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400

(Note: the full nutritional breakdown is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Parm Meatballs

These meatballs are delicious with so many sides. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement your meal:

• With Pasta: Serve these meatballs with your favorite pasta—spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni are all great options.
• In a Sub Sandwich: For a classic chicken parm sandwich, pile the meatballs into a toasted sub roll, add extra marinara and mozzarella, and enjoy!
• On Their Own: If you’re keeping it light, serve these meatballs as an appetizer or snack with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Freshly made breadcrumbs will give the meatballs a better texture and flavor than store-bought.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make the meatballs dense. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Check for doneness: Make sure the meatballs are fully cooked by checking the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just bake them and then freeze after they cool down. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven to warm through and top with marinara and cheese.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
   Yes, ground turkey works just as well as ground chicken for this recipe.
2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them.
3. Can I freeze the meatballs?
   Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before baking them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I add other seasonings?
   Of course! Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.
5. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
   The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
   Yes! Homemade marinara sauce will add even more flavor and richness to the dish.
7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
8. Can I use other cheeses?
   Absolutely! Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a slightly different flavor.
9. Can I serve these with a salad?
   Yes, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a perfect light side to balance out the richness of the meatballs.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Chicken Parm Meatballs are the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor. They’re juicy, cheesy, and bursting with Italian goodness in every bite. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, making a sandwich, or just snacking on them with marinara sauce, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with the most irresistible meatballs ever!

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