Easy Cheesy Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe: The Family Favorite

My kitchen experiments with classic chicken parm meatballs always spark excitement among hungry friends.

Crispy coating and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that screams comfort food.

Tender ground chicken blends perfectly with Italian seasonings and breadcrumbs for maximum flavor.

Marinara sauce adds a tangy punch that complements the savory meat mixture.

Simple ingredients come together in less than an hour, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Melted mozzarella and fresh basil provide the final delicious touch that elevates these meatballs from ordinary to extraordinary.

Serve these delectable bites alongside pasta or crusty bread, and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Why Chicken Parm Meatballs Are a Total Win

• Quickly Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for busy families seeking delicious dinner solutions without complex preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs, making this recipe incredibly versatile.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: Streamline meal preparation by using a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and reducing overall kitchen time while maximizing flavor potential.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Food: Craft a nutritious dish that satisfies hunger and delivers robust flavor profile through well-seasoned ground chicken and complementary ingredients.

Chicken Parm Meatballs Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Chicken: A lean and versatile meat that serves as the primary base for these meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Parmesan Cheese: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and add rich flavor and texture.

• Garlic Powder, Dried Basil, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: These spices and herbs provide depth and aromatic flavor to the chicken meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden-brown crust on the meatballs during cooking.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and classic Italian flavor to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, creamy topping that enhances the overall richness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the meatballs and enhances visual appeal.

How to Make Chicken Parm Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Mix Chicken Goodness

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and parmesan cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to blend everything together until the ingredients are completely combined and look evenly distributed.

Step 2: Season with Flavor Explosion

• Garlic powder
• Dried basil
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently fold the seasonings through the meat mixture, ensuring each morsel gets a delicious coating of spices.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Meatballs

Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and roll the meat mixture into round balls, each about the size of a golf ball. Aim for consistent size to guarantee even cooking.

Step 4: Sizzle and Brown

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior. The sizzling sound means deliciousness is happening!

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Rotate meatballs occasionally to ensure they brown evenly. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meatballs.

Step 6: Bathe in Marinara

Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, reducing heat to medium-low. Let them simmer and absorb the rich, tangy sauce flavors, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Step 7: Cheese Melting Magic

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the meatballs. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot over pasta or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Helpful Hints for Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Prevent Sticky Hands: Wet your hands with cold water before shaping meatballs to stop the mixture from clinging and make forming easier.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken meatballs reach 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture for extra umami and richness in the meatballs.
• Control Browning Technique: Maintain medium-high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve even, golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Boost Moisture Retention: Let meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.

Fun Variations for Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko, maintaining the same binding properties while catering to gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs: Incorporate red pepper flakes, cumin, and chopped fresh mint into the meat mixture, creating a zesty and aromatic variation with Middle Eastern flair.
• Turkey Swap Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey, preserving the recipe's core technique and seasoning profile while offering a slightly different protein option.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative

Best Matches for Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Elevate Flavor with Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich marinara and chicken meatballs, cutting through the dish's savory profile.
• Create Balanced Side Dish: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the meatballs' hearty texture, adding a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the meal.
• Match Perfect Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with additional herbal and buttery notes.
• Enhance Beverage Selection: Choose a crisp Italian pilsner or dry white wine like Pinot Grigio to refresh the palate and balance the meatballs' robust seasoning and cheesy topping.

Storing Chicken Parm Meatballs the Smart Way

• Store meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months without losing 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 occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Spread meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.

Chicken Parm Meatballs Questions Answered

• Why use ground chicken instead of beef or pork?

Ground chicken is leaner, lower in calories, and provides a healthier alternative while still delivering delicious flavor. It absorbs seasonings well and creates a lighter meatball texture.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance. Shape them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze uncooked meatballs for up to one month in an airtight container.

• How do I ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender?

The combination of breadcrumbs, egg, and parmesan cheese helps bind the meat and prevent dryness. Avoid overmixing the ingredients and don’t overcook the meatballs to maintain their juiciness.

Saucy Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken parm meatballs bring Italian-American comfort to your dinner table, blending classic flavors in a playful twist. Cheesy, herby, and packed with marinara goodness, these meatballs will become your new favorite weeknight dinner companion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese

Seasoning:

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Topping and Sauce:

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, and parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
2. Add garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, gently folding the seasonings throughout the meat to distribute evenly.
3. Shape the seasoned mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, using moistened hands to prevent sticking.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and carefully place meatballs, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Rotate meatballs periodically to ensure consistent browning and cook for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing them to simmer and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
7. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the meatballs and cover the skillet, letting the cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot, preferably over pasta or alongside a crisp salad.

Notes

• Use wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticky meat mixture from clinging to your palms, ensuring smoother shaping and more uniform size.
• Avoid overmixing the ground chicken to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming dense or tough during cooking.
• Select ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content (around 85/15) for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out quickly.
• Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that maintains the recipe’s original texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg