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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and optimal meatball placement.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated parmesan, egg, and breadcrumbs, creating a uniform mixture that will hold the meatballs together.
- Incorporate minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring even distribution of seasonings for robust flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer the partially cooked meatballs to the prepared baking sheet, generously spooning marinara sauce over each meatball to ensure complete coverage.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced meatballs, creating a melty, appetizing topping that will become golden and bubbly.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly.
- 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