Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Combining the flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of bite-sized meatballs, this recipe is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them over pasta or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Additions and Variations:

• Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• Chopped basil for extra flavor
• Substituting ground turkey for chicken

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Forming the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Form the chicken mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cooking Instructions

Baking the Meatballs:

1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat.

Combining the Meatballs and Sauce

Simmering the Meatballs in Sauce:

1. Once the meatballs are done baking, add them to the skillet with the marinara sauce.
2. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Adding the Cheese:

1. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
2. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Pasta:

1. Serve the chicken Parmesan meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne.
2. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Serving as an Appetizer:

1. Serve the meatballs on their own with toothpicks for a delicious appetizer.
2. Provide extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Chicken:

1. Use ground chicken that is not too lean to ensure the meatballs stay moist.
2. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey as an alternative.

Enhancing the Flavor:

1. Don’t be afraid to add extra herbs and spices to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
2. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will provide the best taste.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat the meatballs in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce if needed to keep them moist.

Variations

Making It Spicy:

1. Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the marinara sauce for a spicy version.

Using Different Cheeses:

1. Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Ground Turkey?
   • Yes, ground turkey can be used in place of ground chicken.
2. What Type of Tomato Sauce is Best?
   • A high-quality marinara sauce works best. You can use homemade or store-bought.
3. Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.
4. Are These Gluten-Free?
   • To make these meatballs gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
5. Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a versatile and tasty dish that’s sure to please. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, they’re perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, Parmesan, and marinara sauce!

Yield: 4

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Print

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Combining the flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of bite-sized meatballs, this recipe is perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving them over pasta or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese divided
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.

• To a prep bowl, add the meatball ingredients (chicken, egg, panko, half of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper). With your hands, mix everything together well, but don't overwork the mixture. The mixture will be quite wet. Form 1" meatballs (it'll make around 20 or so). Place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet for easy clean-up.

• Add the olive oil to an oven-safe skillet and heat it up for a few minutes over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in 2 batches until they're browned all over (about 5 min/batch). I use tongs to turn them quickly and easily. They will brown quite fast, so turn them often. If needed, add another splash of olive oil to the skillet for the second batch. Transfer meatballs to a plate once they're browned.

• If there's a lot of excess oil in the skillet, drain it, but leave the browned pieces (don't wipe out the pan). Take the skillet off the heat for a couple of minutes to let it cool a bit so the marinara sauce doesn't splatter everywhere when you add it in.

• Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, and then add the meatballs back (spread them around the skillet fairly evenly). Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and the mozzarella over top.

• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs, and then broil if desired to brown the cheese (watch it carefully so it doesn't burn).