If you are craving the flavor of classic chicken parmesan but looking for a time saving option, then you are going to love these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. This recipe combines the savory flavors of ground chicken, Italian seasoning, rich marinara, and melted cheese for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Parm Meatballs
- Classic Flavors- Chicken parmesan meatballs deliver all the rich, cheesy, and tomatoey flavors of traditional chicken parmesan but in a easy, bite-sized form that’s easier to serve and enjoy.
- Quick and Easy- With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, these chicken parm meatballs can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making them an great option for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly- The bite-sized portions are perfect for kids and any picky eater.
- Customizable- You can easily switch things up by adding spices, herbs, or different cheeses to the mix, tailoring the recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil
- Ground Chicken
- Marinara Sauce
- Parmesan Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Large Egg
- Italian Seasoning
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Salt & Black Pepper
How To Make Chicken Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl add the ground chicken, egg, Panko bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper. Fold the ingredients together until well combined.
In a large skillet (oven safe) or baking dish, lightly grease the bottom with olive oil. Roll the meat mixture into 1- 1 ½ inch meatballs and place into the baking dish. Be sure not to overcrowd.
Pour marinara sauce on top of the meatballs and bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes until internal temp of meatballs reach 165 degrees.
Once the meatballs are finished baking, top with mozzarella cheese and allow it to rest in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve & enjoy!
Tip and Tricks for The BEST Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Chill The Meat Mixture- If the meatball mixture feels to soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes before rolling into meatballs. This will help them hold their shape.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese- Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese have more flavor and better texture than pre-grated versions. It melts better and adds a richer taste to the meatballs.
- Equal Size Meatballs- For even cooking, make sure your meatballs are the same size. A cookie scoop is a great tool to ensure consistent sizing without the extra hassle.
- Add Moisture- For extra tender meatballs, add a tiny splash of milk to the panko breadcrumbs before incorporating it into the meat mixture. This adds extra moisture into the meatballs while cooking, making sure they are extra tender.
- Spice It Up- Add a few red pepper flakes to the ground meat mixture to give the dish little kick.
- Meat Thermometer- To avoid overcooking which leads to dry meatballs, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the temp of the center of each meatball. Remove the meatballs once they are 165 degrees.
How To Store Leftover Meatballs
- Let Them Cool- Allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature before storing them in the fridge.
- Refrigerate- Place the meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay good for 3-4 days.
- Freeze- For best results, freeze the meatballs and the sauce separately. Lay them out on a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to freezer bags. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
FAQ
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture or even the fully-cooked meatballs in advance. Freeze them for up to 3 months, and you’ll have a easy dinner ready to go anytime.
- Can I make these in the crockpot? Yes! Just be sure to sear the meatballs prior to adding them to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1-2 hours.
- What can I serve with chicken Parmesan meatballs? I usually serve these meatballs on top of buttered fettuccine pasta along with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Double Cheese Fry Burger Sliders
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- ½ cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl add the ground chicken, egg, bread crumbs, Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper. Fold the ingredients together until well combined.
- In a large oven safe skillet or baking dish, lightly grease the bottom with olive oil. Roll the meat into 1- 1 ½ inch meatballs and place into the baking dish. Be sure not to overcrowd. Pour marinara sauce on top and bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes until internal temp of meatballs reach 165 degrees.
- Once the meatballs are finished baking, top with mozzarella cheese and allow it to rest in the oven until the cheese is melted. Serve & enjoy!
Amazing recipe! My picky kids alllll loved it! I am trying it tonight with vodka sauce. Fingers crossed for another hit. Thanks again!