Meet our Chicken Parmesan Meatballs – the ultimate Italian delight that’s quick to whip up! Imagine juicy meatballs seasoned just right and coated with crispy Panko crumbs, giving you that irresistible Chicken Parmesan crunch. Serve them atop noodles alongside garlic bread and a fresh salad for a dinner that’s simply delicious.
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Why I Love it
Back in college, my cooking options were pretty limited. It was either chicken parmesan or roasted chicken with salad – that’s all I could offer. Fast forward to now, with over 100 recipes under my belt, thanks to culinary school, but chicken parmesan still holds a special place in my heart. Today, I decided to spice things up a bit.
I took every ingredient from my classic chicken parmesan recipe and transformed it into meatballs. All those herbs, the parmesan, breadcrumbs, and even the mozzarella – they all went into the meatballs. I even added a bit of flour on the outside for that extra crust.
I can’t believe I didn’t make these sooner because I’m completely obsessed. When I made them, I practically cleaned the skillet by licking it! Trust me, you’ve got to give these a try. They’re absolutely irresistible.
Chicken parmesan meatballs recipe video
Chicken parmesan meatballs ingredients and instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, warm up the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
Step 6: Layer the Meatballs
Once the meatballs are done, transfer them carefully to a baking dish. Pour the warmed marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re all coated evenly.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs and sauce, covering them generously.
Step 8: Bake Again
Put the baking dish back into the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
When the meatballs are ready, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor.
Step 10: Enjoy
Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs hot, either on their own or over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Dive in and enjoy the deliciousness!
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. They’re packed with flavor and make for a comforting meal any day of the week!
Chicken parmesan meatballs nutrition information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Serving Size | 4 Meatballs |
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| – Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 620mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 26g |
Health Benefits:
- Ground Chicken: A lean protein source, ground chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair. It’s lower in saturated fat compared to beef, making it a heart-healthy option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, Parmesan cheese supports bone health and muscle function. It’s also a good source of vitamin A, which promotes healthy vision and immune function.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic contains sulfur compounds that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. It also adds flavor without extra calories.
- Basil: Packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and volatile oils, basil offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits. It’s also a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and blood clotting.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Chicken Parmesan Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions:
Reheat Instructions
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated meatballs, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- From Frozen: If reheating frozen meatballs, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the microwave or stovetop method described above.
Reuse Ideas:
- Meatball Subs: Serve the meatballs in a hoagie roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for a delicious sandwich.
- Pasta Night: Reheat the meatballs and serve them over cooked spaghetti with extra marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Meatball Pizza: Use the meatballs as a topping for homemade pizza. Add slices of fresh mozzarella and basil leaves for a gourmet touch.
- Salad Booster: Slice the meatballs and add them to a salad for extra protein and flavor. Top with your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Chef’s Tips:
- Mixing the Meatballs: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, be sure not to overmix the mixture. This can result in dense meatballs. Ensure thorough mixing until all components are uniformly combined, achieving a cohesive mixture.
- Uniform Size: Try to shape the meatballs into a consistent size to ensure even cooking. This helps them cook through evenly and prevents some from being undercooked while others are overcooked.
- Browning the Meatballs: For extra flavor and texture, consider browning the meatballs in a skillet before baking them. This step adds a delicious caramelization to the outside of the meatballs.
- Choosing the Right Sauce: While marinara sauce works wonderfully with these meatballs, feel free to experiment with different sauces like arrabbiata or vodka sauce for a unique twist.
- Freezing for Later: These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
- Customize the Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding extra grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Serve with Sides: While pasta is a classic accompaniment, these meatballs also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crusty loaf of bread for a hearty meal.
- Make Ahead: Save time by preparing the meatball mixture in advance and storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. This makes for a quick and easy dinner option during busy weeknights.
- Doubling the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for future meals, feel free to double the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Enjoy the Leftovers: These meatballs are just as delicious the next day! Use any leftovers to make sandwiches, meatball subs, or add them to soups and stews for extra flavor.