Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

If you’re a fan of Chicken Parmesan, then you’re going to fall head over heels for these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! Imagine juicy, flavorful meatballs coated in a crispy, golden crust, all smothered in a rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. They bring all the classic Chicken Parmesan flavors but in an easy-to-make, fun, and bite-sized form. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, party appetizer, or a comforting meal any day of the week. The best part? They’re a total crowd-pleaser that will make everyone’s taste buds sing. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are packed with all the goodness of traditional Chicken Parmesan but with an even easier and more fun twist. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

Quick and Easy

You don’t need hours of cooking time for this dish—just about 30 minutes to have these tasty meatballs on the table. Super simple and no stress!

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of seasoned ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and herbs delivers the familiar, comforting flavors of Chicken Parmesan, while the mozzarella and marinara sauce add that gooey, cheesy, and saucy perfection you love.

Versatile

These meatballs can be served on their own, tossed over a plate of pasta, or enjoyed as a sub sandwich. You can even serve them as a fun appetizer at your next get-together!

Healthy Twist

With lean ground chicken, these meatballs are a lighter version of the classic Chicken Parmesan, so you get all the indulgent flavor with fewer calories and fat.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce and Topping:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

(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 Parmesan Meatballs:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs could become tough.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the chicken mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 16-18 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked, pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet, making sure each meatball is coated in the sauce. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the meatballs to soak up the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and become bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or just enjoy them on their own. You can also serve them as a sandwich filling in a sub roll for a delicious twist on a classic Chicken Parmesan sandwich.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 360 kcal
Total Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 165mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 38g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas to enjoy them:

Over Pasta

Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs on top of a bed of spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta. The combination of pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese is a classic Italian dinner!

In a Sub Roll

Make a quick Chicken Parmesan sandwich by placing the meatballs and sauce in a toasted sub roll, then topping it with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake it for a few minutes to melt the cheese for an Italian-inspired sandwich that’s to die for!

With Garlic Bread

Pair these meatballs with some garlic bread on the side for a perfect dipping companion to scoop up that cheesy, saucy goodness.

As an Appetizer

These meatballs also work great as an appetizer for parties or game day. Serve them with toothpicks and extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs even more delicious:

• Make them ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking. Just cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
• Baked version: If you prefer a healthier version, bake the meatballs at 375°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying them.
• Add extra cheese: For an even cheesier version, add extra mozzarella cheese on top and bake them until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Use turkey: You can also make these meatballs with ground turkey if you prefer a leaner meat option.

FAQ

Q1: Can I make these meatballs in advance?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to the point of cooking and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the raw meatballs for up to 3 months.

Q2: Can I make these meatballs with ground beef?
A2: Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef for the ground chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

Q3: How do I keep the meatballs from being dry?
A3: The key to juicy meatballs is not overmixing the meat and adding enough moisture. Breadcrumbs and an egg help keep them moist. You can also add a little milk to the mixture for extra moisture.

Q4: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the sauce or bake in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Q5: What can I substitute for the breadcrumbs?
A5: If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.

Q6: Can I make these meatballs spicy?
A6: Yes! Add a little crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture or sprinkle them on top for some heat.

Q7: How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
A7: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q8: Can I make these meatballs in a slow cooker?
A8: Yes! You can cook the meatballs in a slow cooker with the marinara sauce on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.

Q9: Can I use a different cheese for the topping?
A9: Of course! You can use provolone, fontina, or any cheese you love for topping the meatballs.

Q10: How can I serve these meatballs if I’m on a low-carb diet?
A10: Serve the meatballs with a side of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta for a low-carb alternative.

Conclusion

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are everything you love about the classic Chicken Parmesan, but with the convenience of bite-sized meatballs. They’re cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying, making them the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!

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