The Juiciest Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe Ever Created

Chicken parmesan meatballs combine the best of two beloved Italian-American classics into one irresistible bite-sized delight.

Packed with robust flavors and a satisfying texture, these morsels elevate traditional comfort food to a new level of deliciousness.

Rich marinara sauce perfectly complements the tender, juicy meat, creating a harmonious blend of savory ingredients.

Crispy breadcrumb coatings add a delightful crunch that reinvents an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted mozzarella that blankets each succulent meatball with creamy goodness.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing dish that brings excitement to weeknight dinners and impresses guests at casual gatherings.

Versatile and simple to prepare, these meatballs work wonderfully as an appetizer, main course, or sandwich filling.

Why Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Are Great for Any Meal

• Savor Cheesy Comfort: These chicken parmesan meatballs deliver a warm, gooey cheese experience that melts perfectly over tender meat, creating an irresistible comfort food that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just one pan and minimal prep time, this recipe transforms ordinary ground chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that's quick enough for busy families yet impressive enough for guests.
• Customize Your Meal: Versatile serving options let you enjoy these meatballs over pasta, rice, or garlic bread, making it easy to adapt the meal to your preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Boost Flavor Effortlessly: Packed with Italian seasonings, fresh herbs, and two types of cheese, these meatballs deliver maximum taste with minimal complicated techniques, ensuring a delicious meal even for novice cooks.

Everything You Need for Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of the meatballs, best when fresh and not too wet.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture and provides moisture.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Rich, tangy cheeses that add depth and creamy texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide robust, savory flavor to the meatballs.
• Parsley, Italian Seasoning: Fresh herbs and spice blend that contribute bright, classic Italian taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates light, tender texture and helps hold the meatballs together.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian sauce that provides moisture and additional flavor during cooking.
• Fresh Basil: Optional garnish that adds fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Bake or Simmer These Cheesy Meatballs

Step 1: Mix Meatball Mixture

Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Use gentle hands or a spatula to blend everything until just mixed. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape Delicious Morsels

Use a cookie scoop or hands to create uniform meatballs. Wet hands slightly to prevent sticking and roll into perfect rounds.

Step 3: Simmer in Sauce

Warm marinara sauce in a pan with a lid over low heat. Carefully drop meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, turning halfway. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over meatballs.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place pan under broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh basil. Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside garlic bread for a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress everyone at the table.

Tips for Juicy Meatballs and Crispy Tops

• Moisturize Meat Mixture: Gently mix ingredients to keep chicken meatballs tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Prevent Sticky Hands: Wet hands with water when forming meatballs to create smooth, even shapes without clumping.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Simmer meatballs on low heat to ensure even cooking and maintain juicy, soft consistency.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Watch broiler closely to achieve golden, bubbly cheese without burning or drying out meatballs.

How to Store and Warm Them Up Later

• Refrigerate: Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep sauce and cheese separate to maintain texture.
• Freeze: Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Warm meatballs in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring even heating and preserving moisture.

What Pairs Well with Parmesan Meatballs

• Sip an Italian Red Wine: Pair these cheesy chicken parmesan meatballs with a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that cuts through the richness of the marinara and melted cheese.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the tender meatballs perfectly, soaking up extra sauce and adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatballs, providing a zesty and refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio offers a bright, acidic note that cleanses the palate between bites of the savory, cheesy meatballs.

Creative Sauces and Cheese Swaps to Try

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Meatballs: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the meat mixture. Replace marinara with a zesty salsa verde. Top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro for a bold southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Meatballs: Incorporate crumbled feta, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano into the ground chicken. Use a light tomato sauce with roasted red pepper. Finish with crumbled Greek feta and fresh mint.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Chicken Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with grated zucchini and almond flour. Reduce cheese quantity and serve over spiralized zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra herbs and a lighter marinara sauce for a healthier version.
• Turkey Swap Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey for a similar protein-packed alternative. Maintain the same seasoning and cheese ratios. Perfect for those wanting a slightly different meat option with identical cooking techniques.

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible chicken parmesan meatballs blend Italian comfort with modern flair, delivering a zesty twist on classic cuisine. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these meatballs invite you to savor a delightful culinary experience that delights the senses.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken
• 1 large egg

Cheese and Breadcrumbs:

• 1 cup (85 grams) grated parmesan cheese, divided
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 ½ cups (180 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup), optional
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately blend ground chicken with finely chopped aromatics including onion and garlic, incorporating breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients until harmoniously integrated, avoiding excessive manipulation.
2. Warm marinara sauce in a lidded skillet over minimal heat, preparing the cooking environment.
3. Craft uniform meatballs using a cookie scoop or hand-rolling technique. Moistening palms prevents adherence, ensuring smooth spherical formations.
4. Carefully nestle meatballs into simmering sauce, covering with lid and allowing gentle cooking for approximately 15 minutes. Midway through, delicately rotate meatballs to guarantee even heat distribution. Confirm internal temperature reaches safe 165°F using a culinary thermometer.
5. Activate broiler function, preparing for final caramelization. Generously dust meatballs with remaining parmesan and shredded mozzarella, creating a luxurious cheese blanket.
6. Position skillet beneath broiler, monitoring closely as cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection within 3-5 minutes.
7. Conclude by adorning with freshly torn basil leaves, presenting meatballs atop complementary bases like pasta, rice, or toasted garlic bread for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing is Key: Combine meatball ingredients lightly to keep the chicken tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Water-Wet Hands Trick: Dampen hands to prevent chicken mixture from sticking while shaping perfectly round meatballs.
• Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer meatballs in marinara sauce on low heat to maintain moisture and ensure even cooking throughout.
• Temperature Safety Check: Always confirm internal meatball temperature reaches 165°F to eliminate any potential foodborne risks.
• Broiler Brilliance: Use the final broiling step to create a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds incredible flavor and texture.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these meatballs over pasta, rice, or garlic bread for a flexible and delicious meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg