Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Sizzling with Italian-inspired flavors, these chicken parmesan meatballs pack a delightful punch of comfort and zest.

Every bite promises a perfect blend of juicy ground chicken and rich, melted cheese.

Seasoned with classic herbs and coated in crispy breadcrumbs, the meatballs bring restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table.

The parmesan adds a salty, nutty complexity that makes each morsel irresistibly delicious.

Tender and golden-brown, these meatballs work brilliantly as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

You’ll love how quickly they come together, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Get ready to impress with this simple yet spectacular dish that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 380 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: What You’ll Need

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that creates tender, juicy meatballs with delicate texture and mild flavor.
• Egg: Crucial binder that helps hold meatball ingredients together and ensures smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and creates irresistible golden crust when broiled.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, stretchy melting quality that provides luxurious finishing touch.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that infuse rich, savory undertones throughout meatballs.
• Parsley, Italian Seasoning: Fresh and dried herbs that contribute bright, Mediterranean-inspired complexity.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture, create light texture, and prevent dense, heavy meatballs.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify and balance overall flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides moisture, prevents burning, and creates delicious braising liquid for meatballs.
• Fresh Basil: Elegant garnish that introduces fresh, herbaceous brightness to finished dish.

Equipment to Make Parmesan Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Cookie scoop or hands: Perfect for portioning and shaping uniform meatballs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Skillet with lid: Needed for simmering meatballs in marinara sauce.
• Broiler-safe pan: Allows for melting and browning cheese topping.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for gently mixing ingredients and stirring meatballs.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures meatballs reach safe internal temperature.

Cooking Chicken Parmesan Meatballs the Right Way

• Flavor Foundation

Gather all meatball ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl. Gently fold components together using fingertips or a soft spatula. Keep mixture light and airy without aggressive mixing.

• Sauce Preparation

Warm marinara sauce in a wide pan, creating a cozy bath for meatballs. Keep heat low and steady.

• Meatball Shaping

Create uniform round meatballs using damp hands or a cookie scoop. Smooth surfaces will help even cooking.

• Gentle Cooking

Nestle meatballs into simmering sauce. Cover and let them cook slowly, turning midway through. Check internal temperature reaches safe zone for chicken.

• Cheesy Transformation

Sprinkle generous layers of parmesan and mozzarella across meatballs. Slide pan under broiler until cheese melts into golden, bubbly perfection.

• Final Touch

Scatter fresh basil leaves across the dish. Serve alongside pasta, crusty bread, or fluffy rice for a complete meal that promises comfort and flavor.

Swaps and Enhancements for Parmesan Meatballs

• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought to keep meatballs extra juicy and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Replace ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef for different flavor profiles and protein options.
• Mix multiple Italian cheeses like provolone and pecorino romano with parmesan for deeper, more sophisticated taste dimensions.
• Prepare meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and develop intensely before cooking.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture for those wanting a spicier version of the classic chicken parmesan meatballs.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs at Any Table

• Pasta Paradise: Nestle these cheesy meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian-inspired dinner that will transport your taste buds straight to Rome.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve the meatballs alongside crispy, buttery garlic bread slices for a delightful combination of textures and flavors that soak up the rich marinara sauce perfectly.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the meatballs with a fresh arugula salad dressed in light lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish and add a bright, zesty contrast to the meal.
• Zucchini Noodle Option: For a low-carb alternative, place the meatballs over spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying dinner experience.

Saving and Reheating Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and stash extra meatballs in freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight dinners. These protein-packed gems stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Refrigerator Magic: Leftover meatballs will keep fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top to maintain moisture and prevent drying out during storage.
• Reheating Hack: Warm refrigerated meatballs gently in a covered skillet with a splash of marinara sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop reheating ensures the best texture and prevents rubbery chicken.
• Portion Control Wonder: Separate meatballs into individual meal-prep containers with pasta or zucchini noodles for grab-and-go lunches. These protein-rich meals stay tasty and nutritious for busy professionals and meal planners.

Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken parmesan meatballs combine classic Italian flavors with comforting textures. Cheese-laden morsels promise a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and brings Mediterranean warmth to dinner tables you will savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (85 g) grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup), optional
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine ground chicken with finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.
2. Sauce Setup: Heat marinara sauce in a skillet over low heat, creating a warm cooking environment for the meatballs.
3. Meatball Formation and Cooking: Shape the meat mixture into uniform spheres using a cookie scoop or hand-rolling method. Moisten hands to prevent sticking. Carefully place meatballs into the simmering sauce, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Rotate meatballs midway to ensure even cooking and verify internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer.
4. Cheese Topping and Broiling: Activate broiler function. Sprinkle meatballs generously with additional parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Position skillet under the broiler and cook for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden brown with bubbly edges.
5. Serving: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve over pasta, rice, or toasted garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Technique: Handle meat mixture with light touch to prevent dense, tough meatballs – overmixing causes tough texture.
• Moisture Prevention: Wet hands before shaping to stop chicken from sticking and create smooth, perfectly round meatballs.
• Temperature Precision: Always verify internal meat temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption using a reliable meat thermometer.
• Cheese Monitoring: Watch closely under broiler as cheese can quickly transition from golden to burnt within seconds – stay attentive during final caramelization stage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg