Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are lighter than the traditional beef version but just as delicious. Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, they’re baked and served with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.

“Cooking is an art, but all art requires knowing something about the techniques and ingredients that make it work.”

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs offer a delicious twist on the traditional chicken parmesan, combining the tender, juicy texture of meatballs with the classic flavors of marinara sauce and melted cheese. These meatballs are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for a family dinner, party appetizer, or served over pasta. The combination of lean chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese creates a healthier yet equally satisfying alternative to beef meatballs. Paired with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite!

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to prepare Chicken Parmesan Meatballs that are baked to perfection, then topped with sauce and cheese for the ultimate cheesy, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken (preferably dark meat for juicier meatballs)
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (preferably from Italian bread or toasted bread)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup milk (to soften the breadcrumbs)
• Olive oil (for greasing or brushing)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

• In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes to soften them.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), egg, salt, and pepper. Add the softened breadcrumbs and mix well. The mixture should be moist but not too wet.
• If you prefer, you can add freshly chopped parsley to the mixture for added color and flavor.

2. Form the Meatballs:

• Wet your hands with a little water (to prevent sticking) and shape the chicken mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Be gentle while handling the mixture to ensure the meatballs stay light and tender.
• Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can brush a little olive oil on top of the meatballs before baking.

3. Bake the Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
• If you’re making a larger batch, you may need to bake them in two batches to ensure they cook evenly.

4. Add the Sauce and Cheese:

• Once the meatballs are baked, spoon a small amount of marinara sauce onto each meatball. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Return the meatballs to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

• Once the cheese has melted and the meatballs are bubbling with sauce, remove them from the oven. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
• Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs over spaghetti, with garlic bread on the side, or with a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

1. Use Ground Chicken with Some Fat: For juicier meatballs, opt for ground chicken that has a bit of fat (dark meat chicken is ideal). Lean chicken breast can result in drier meatballs.
2. Moisture is Key: Make sure the breadcrumb mixture is adequately soaked with milk. If the meatball mixture is too dry, they may come out dense and dry, so adjust as needed.
3. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing the chicken mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined, and avoid overworking the meat.
4. Baking vs. Frying: Baking the meatballs is a healthier alternative to frying, but if you prefer the crispy texture from frying, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a bit of oil before adding the sauce and cheese.
5. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare and shape the meatballs ahead of time, refrigerate them for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for later use. If frozen, bake the meatballs directly from the freezer (just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time).
6. Customizing the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier or tangier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes, garlic, or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinara sauce.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

• Healthy Twist: These meatballs are a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs while still being just as flavorful and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: Baking the meatballs is an easy and fuss-free method, saving you time while still delivering delicious results.
• Versatile: These meatballs are perfect for serving over pasta, making meatball subs, or even eating on their own with a side of vegetables.
• Cheesy and Comforting: The combination of marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the classic Chicken Parmesan experience that everyone loves.

Variations:

• Add Veggies: You can sneak in finely grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach into the chicken mixture to add extra nutrients and moisture.
• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
• Meatball Sub: For a twist, place the meatballs on a toasted sub roll, top with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly for a delicious meatball sub sandwich.
• Pesto Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: For a fresh twist, drizzle pesto sauce over the meatballs before baking or after they’ve been topped with cheese.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Spaghetti or Pasta: The classic pairing for chicken Parmesan meatballs. Serve them over your favorite pasta for a traditional Italian meal.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect side to soak up all the extra marinara sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Pair the dish with a light, refreshing salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette for balance.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious, lighter twist on the traditional chicken Parmesan, with all the same bold flavors and comfort food appeal. Whether served as a meal with pasta or as an appetizer for your next gathering, these meatballs are sure to be a hit!