Easy Homemade Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Crispy and tender chicken parm meatballs bring an exciting twist to your favorite classic Italian dish.

Packed with melted cheese and zesty marinara, these little bites pack serious flavor punch.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become more interesting when you roll these golden-brown spheres of deliciousness onto your plate.

Parmesan and breadcrumbs create a crunchy exterior that makes each meatball irresistibly satisfying.

Herbs like basil and parsley add fresh notes that complement the rich, savory profile.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these meatballs will become your new go-to comfort food.

Serve them over pasta or enjoy as a standalone appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Reasons To Enjoy Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Master Simple Cooking: Perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks, this recipe offers straightforward steps with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Pack Powerful Flavor Punch: Loaded with herbs like basil and oregano, combined with parmesan and marinara, these meatballs deliver robust taste in every bite.
• Versatile Dinner Champion: Serve as appetizers, over pasta, in sandwiches, or alongside salads, making this recipe adaptable for multiple meal scenarios.
• Healthier Protein Option: Using ground chicken provides a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs, supporting balanced nutrition without sacrificing deliciousness.

Everything Inside Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Ground Chicken: A lean protein that creates a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs.

• Parmesan Cheese, Egg, Breadcrumbs: A classic combination that helps hold the meatballs together and adds richness and texture.

• Garlic, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic herbs and spices that provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the meatballs and adds a subtle richness.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that keeps the meatballs moist and adds traditional Italian flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping that adds creaminess and visual appeal.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch to the rich meatballs.

How To Make Chicken Parm Meatballs Easily

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth cooking.

Step 2: Mix Chicken Magic

• Ground chicken
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs

Blend everything together until you’ve got a perfectly combined mixture that’ll hold your meatballs together like a culinary hug.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly so every bite sings with delicious seasoning.

Step 4: Shape Those Balls

Roll the meat mixture into cute little spheres about 1.5 inches wide. Be gentle – we want tender meatballs, not dense hockey pucks.

Step 5: Golden Brown Goodness

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sizzle those meatballs until they’re beautifully golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Transfer the partially cooked meatballs to your parchment-lined baking sheet. Lavish them with marinara sauce, making sure each meatball gets a generous coating.

Step 7: Cheese Please

Shower the meatballs with shredded mozzarella. Watch it transform into a melty, bubbling blanket of deliciousness.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the meatballs hit 165°F internally and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest And Settle

Pull the meatballs out and let them chill for 2-3 minutes. This helps the juices settle and the cheese to set just right.

Step 10: Final Flourish

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top. These green confetti will add a pop of freshness to your savory masterpiece.

Helpful Ideas For Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Measure Meat Carefully: Use a kitchen scale for precise ground chicken portions, ensuring consistent meatball size and even cooking.
• Handle Gently: Mix ingredients with light touch to prevent dense, tough meatballs; fold ingredients together softly to maintain tender texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Add breadcrumbs gradually to absorb excess liquid from egg and chicken, preventing soggy or crumbly meatballs.
• Check Temperature Precisely: Use a digital meat thermometer to verify internal meatball temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast dried herbs briefly in skillet before adding to mixture to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavors.

Tasty Twists For Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with finely grated cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content, maintaining the same delicious flavor profile while creating a lighter alternative.
• Turkey Protein Boost: Swap ground chicken with lean ground turkey, increasing protein content and offering a slightly different meat texture while keeping the original seasoning blend intact.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Modify the herb selection by adding fresh chopped rosemary and thyme, incorporating Mediterranean-inspired flavors and creating a more complex herbal undertone in the meatballs.
• Dairy-Free Adaptable Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese and replace mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives, making the recipe suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions.

What To Serve With Chicken Parm Meatballs

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that complements the chicken's delicate flavor and cuts through the rich marinara sauce.
• Create Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare a crusty, herb-infused garlic bread that soaks up the extra marinara sauce and provides a crunchy textural contrast to the tender meatballs.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a peppery, bright element that balances the hearty meatballs and provides a refreshing counterpoint.

Storing Chicken Parm Meatballs Without The Guesswork

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Wrap meatballs individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 3 months to preserve their delicious flavor.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Arrange meatballs in a baking dish, add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

Chicken Parm Meatballs FAQ Made Simple

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute with similar texture and cooking method.

• How do I prevent meatballs from becoming dry?

Mix in grated parmesan and egg, which help retain moisture and create a tender meatball. Don’t overmix the meat and avoid overcooking.

• Are these meatballs low-carb friendly?

While not strictly low-carb due to breadcrumbs, you can substitute with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content.

• What if I don't have dried herbs?

Fresh herbs can be used – just double the quantity. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning blend as a quick replacement for dried basil and oregano.

Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets Italian-style chicken parm meatballs in this irresistible fusion dish. Crispy, cheesy goodness delivers a perfect blend of classic flavors that will make dinner an instant family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 0.25 cup breadcrumbs

Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Coating and Sauce:

• 0.5 cup marinara sauce
• 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and optimal meatball placement.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated parmesan, egg, and breadcrumbs, creating a uniform mixture that will hold the meatballs together.
3. Incorporate minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of seasonings for robust flavor.
4. Gently form the mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, taking care not to compress the meat too tightly to maintain a tender texture.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully browning the meatballs on all sides for 4-5 minutes to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
6. Transfer the partially cooked meatballs to the prepared baking sheet, generously spooning marinara sauce over each meatball to ensure complete coverage.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced meatballs, creating a melty, appetizing topping that will become golden and bubbly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F and the cheese is fully melted and slightly browned.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, fresh element to the rich and savory meatballs before serving.

Notes

• Use lean ground chicken for a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, reducing overall fat content while maintaining great flavor.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Avoid overworking the meat mixture to prevent dense, tough meatballs; mix ingredients gently and handle with a light touch for maximum tenderness.
• Experiment with additional herbs like fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile and add personal flair to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg