Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these juicy, flavorful meatballs, you only need a handful of simple ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken – lean, tender, and flavorful.
• 1 egg – helps bind the mixture together.
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs – keeps the texture light.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided) – nutty, rich flavor.
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning – classic herb blend.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – adds depth without overpowering.
• ½ tsp onion powder – enhances overall flavor.
• ½ tsp salt + pepper to taste – balances flavors.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – for browning the meatballs.

For the Sauce & Topping:

• 24 oz marinara sauce – homemade or store-bought.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – melty, gooey topping.
• Remaining Parmesan cheese – sprinkled on top for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Mix

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix together the ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix—this keeps the meatballs tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Using lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 20 total). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

3. Brown in a Skillet

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. This step locks in flavor!

4. Add Sauce & Cheese

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, nestle the browned meatballs in, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and shredded mozzarella.

5. Bake

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). For extra cheesy goodness, broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the top.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot with spaghetti, garlic bread, or enjoy on their own.

Serving Ideas

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Style: Over spaghetti or penne pasta.
• Low-Carb Option: With zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Party Appetizer: Serve on skewers with toothpicks.
• Meatball Subs: Tuck into toasted hoagie rolls with extra mozzarella.

Variations to Try

• Ground Turkey or Beef: Swap chicken for another protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Storage & Reheating

Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in short bursts.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 586
• Protein: 44g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 560mg