Chicken Parmesan Meatballs combine the classic flavors of the beloved Chicken Parmesan dish with the ease and versatility of meatballs. Tender ground chicken is blended with savory Italian herbs, garlic, onion, and Parmesan, then gently simmered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, a hearty appetizer, or even a fun twist on meatball subs, this recipe delivers on both comfort and flavor.
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground chicken
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Topping:
3 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Make the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches each, and place them on a plate or tray.
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. They don't need to be fully cooked at this point. Remove and set aside.
Simmer in Sauce:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Bake with Cheese:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the meatballs. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with pasta, on sandwich rolls, or as an appetizer.
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Suggestion: Serve over spaghetti, in a sandwich roll, or with crusty bread and salad.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
Calories: 420
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
This hearty recipe offers comfort food satisfaction while staying lighter with ground chicken. It's a must-try for busy weeknights or entertaining guests with Italian flair.