These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Made with ground chicken, cheesy goodness, and Italian herbs, they’re perfect for a quick meal.
What’s not to love? They’re like little flavor bombs! I usually serve them with spaghetti and a sprinkle of extra cheese. It’s a cozy dinner that feels special without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option, or even use ground beef for a different flavor. I find ground chicken gives a lighter texture.
Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs are perfect here for added flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use ground almond or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. I sometimes make my own using leftover bread!
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices for this recipe. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano. For a dairy-free option, you can use non-dairy cheese alternatives that melt well.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add great freshness. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used, but use a little less as dried herbs are often more potent than fresh.
How Do You Ensure Your Meatballs Are Juicy and Well-Cooked?
Getting tender meatballs is all about the mixing and cooking method. Here are some tips:
- Be gentle when combining the ingredients; over-mixing can make them tough.
- Use the right amount of breadcrumbs to absorb moisture without making them dense.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides in a skillet, this adds flavor and seals in juices.
- Make sure to bake them until they’re just cooked through; overcooking can dry them out.
Following these steps will help you create juicy, flavorful meatballs that everyone will love!
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 35 minutes in total, including 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time. This means you can whip up a delicious dinner in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your meatballs cook perfectly by the time they are ready to go into the oven.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined, but try not to over-mix!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer. Brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are crispy and golden all over.
5. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Once the meatballs are browned, pour the marinara sauce over and around them in the skillet. Make sure they’re nicely coated!
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top of each meatball to make them extra cheesy and delicious.
7. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can check if they’re done by cutting one open; it should no longer be pink inside.
8. Prepare to Serve:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the meatballs with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for that extra touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs hot, ideally over a bed of spaghetti or with some crusty bread. Enjoy this cheesy delight with family or friends!
Dig in and enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well. It may even have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also grind up oats or use crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for breadcrumbs.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop in some marinara sauce to keep them moist.
