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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Warm marinara sauce in a lidded skillet over minimal heat, preparing the cooking environment.
- Craft uniform meatballs using a cookie scoop or hand-rolling technique. Moistening palms prevents adherence, ensuring smooth spherical formations.
- 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.
- Activate broiler function, preparing for final caramelization. Generously dust meatballs with remaining parmesan and shredded mozzarella, creating a luxurious cheese blanket.
- Position skillet beneath broiler, monitoring closely as cheese transforms into golden, bubbling perfection within 3-5 minutes.
- 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