Juicy Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

Crafting a delectable chicken parm meatballs recipe promises pure culinary magic tonight.

Melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs elevate these protein-packed spheres beyond ordinary dinner fare.

Marinara sauce adds rich, tangy complexity to each savory bite.

Weeknight cooking becomes an adventure with these crowd-pleasing morsels that pack serious flavor punch.

Italian-inspired comfort mingles perfectly with home-style cooking techniques in this simple yet impressive dish.

Tender ground chicken combines with classic parmesan ingredients for a mouthwatering twist on traditional meatballs.

Hungry?

Dive into this irresistible recipe that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Why Chicken Parm Meatballs Deserve A Spot On Your Table

• Boost Family Meal Excitement: Ground chicken meatballs transform a standard dinner into a crowd-pleasing feast that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Stress-Free Cooking Adventure: Simple preparation steps and minimal ingredients make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, reducing kitchen complexity.
• Quick Dinner Solution: Rapid cooking process delivers delicious results in under an hour, solving weeknight meal challenges without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair with pasta, create sandwiches, or enjoy as a standalone dish, making these meatballs adaptable to various meal preferences and dietary needs.

Everything You Need For Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps bind the meatballs together.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a tender texture and helps hold the meatballs' shape.

• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.
• Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent to keep the meatballs cohesive.

• Marinara Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide a classic Italian-style covering with rich, melty goodness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and aromatic finish.

How To Make Chicken Parm Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

• Ground chicken
• Grated parmesan
• Breadcrumbs
• Minced garlic
• Eggs
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture light and tender.

Step 2: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Roll the mixture into uniform balls, each about 1.5 inches in diameter. Aim for consistent sizing to ensure even cooking throughout.

Step 3: Prepare Baking Setup

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Arrange Meatballs

Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each ball to allow proper browning and heat circulation.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the sheet midway through cooking. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Remove meatballs from the oven. Generously pour marinara sauce over each meatball, ensuring complete and delicious coverage.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced meatballs, creating a rich and melty topping.

Step 8: Final Cheese Melt

Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become slightly bubbly and irresistible.

Step 9: Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the meatballs just before serving, adding a burst of color and aromatic freshness.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the hot meatballs immediately. Pair with pasta or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips To Get Chicken Parm Meatballs Just Right

• Select Lean Ground Chicken: Choose meat with lower fat content to prevent dry meatballs and ensure a healthier protein option.
• Avoid Overmixing Ingredients: Gently combine components to maintain a tender, light texture and prevent dense, tough meatballs.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meatballs every time.
• Customize Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or parmesan for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Space Meatballs Properly: Leave small gaps between meatballs on baking sheet to promote even browning and prevent steaming.

Twists To Try With Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Lean Protein Powerhouse: Replace ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner protein option with similar texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatballs: Swap oregano with za'atar spice blend and add fresh mint for a Middle Eastern-inspired variation with complex herbal notes.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Use plant-based ground meat alternative like Beyond Meat or lentil mixture, maintaining similar binding techniques with flax eggs and adjusting seasoning for rich umami flavor.

Tasty Pairings For Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the cheese's creaminess.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Create a crispy, buttery side that absorbs the marinara sauce and provides a delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add a refreshing green element to the plate.
• Enhance with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant seasoned with similar herbs to create a harmonious, nutritious accompaniment.

How To Store Chicken Parm Meatballs Correctly

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring midway to ensure even heating.

Common Questions About Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent alternative with similar texture and cooking properties. The recipe will work perfectly with ground turkey as a substitution.

• How do I prevent meatballs from becoming dry?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Use fresh breadcrumbs and eggs to help retain moisture. Check internal temperature and don’t overcook – remove from oven once they reach 165°F.

• Is it necessary to use both parmesan and mozzarella?

While not mandatory, both cheeses contribute unique flavors. Parmesan adds depth and saltiness to the meatball mixture, while mozzarella creates a delicious melted topping that enhances overall taste and texture.

Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35-38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken parm meatballs blend Italian-American comfort with irresistible cheesy goodness. Melted mozzarella and zesty marinara sauce create a delightful twist on classic chicken parmesan that will satisfy your craving for hearty, flavor-packed comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Binders:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix ingredients until thoroughly integrated without overmixing.
2. Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each ball to promote even browning.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and display a golden-brown exterior.
6. Remove meatballs from oven and carefully pour marinara sauce over them, ensuring each meatball is generously coated.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese atop the sauced meatballs, creating a rich, melted layer.
8. Return to oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and become slightly bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving, adding a vibrant, aromatic finish to the dish.
10. Serve hot, optionally alongside pasta or crusty bread to complement the savory meatballs.

Notes

• Use high-quality ground chicken with moderate fat content to ensure juicy, tender meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to prevent dense, tough meatballs by gently combining ingredients just until they’re evenly incorporated.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the meatballs’ texture and binding properties.
• Keep meatballs uniformly sized using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon measure to guarantee consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-23 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg