Get ready to fall in love with these Chicken Parm Meatballs, where the flavors of classic chicken parmesan meet the irresistible bite-sized goodness of meatballs. Picture juicy, tender chicken meatballs coated in a crunchy, golden breadcrumb crust, smothered in rich marinara sauce, and finished off with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is a perfect marriage of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness, and it’s so much fun to eat! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, adding them to pasta, or simply enjoying them on their own, trust me these meatballs are a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Parm Meatballs

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a get-together with friends, this dish fits every occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, add them to pasta, or pair them with a salad for a complete meal.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken is an affordable protein, and the ingredients are simple yet delicious.
Quick and Easy: These meatballs come together in no time, and the baking process is a breeze.
Customizable: Add your favorite herbs to the meatballs or use a different cheese to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love the combination of chicken, marinara, and cheese? These meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients in Chicken Parm Meatballs

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delectable meatballs:

Ground Chicken: The base of these meatballs, lean and juicy, perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s essential to the “parm” aspect of this dish.
Garlic Powder: A little extra flavor to make the meatballs irresistible.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the meatballs that classic Italian flavor.
Egg: Helps hold everything together and keeps the meatballs tender.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Marinara Sauce: For smothering the meatballs in rich, tangy tomato goodness.
Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty cheese that’s the perfect finishing touch on these meatballs.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the meatballs to golden perfection.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these mouthwatering Chicken Parm Meatballs:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure your meatballs cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point, just seared to lock in the flavor.

Bake the Meatballs: Transfer the seared meatballs to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over each one. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and return them to the oven for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Chicken Parm Meatballs with extra marinara sauce on the side and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. These meatballs are delicious on their own or served with pasta or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(put them as notes)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Parm Meatballs

These meatballs pair wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic chicken parm meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting, cheesy Italian feast.
• Add to a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for a lighter option.
• For an appetizer, serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• If you want to make these meatballs even juicier, try using ground chicken thighs instead of breast meat.
• For a crunchy crust, broil the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Make a double batch and freeze the extras! These meatballs freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Experiment with different cheeses in the filling—mozzarella and Parmesan are a classic, but you could try provolone or even a bit of ricotta for extra creaminess.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey would work just as well in this recipe.

2. Can I skip the searing step?
While searing gives the meatballs a nice crispy exterior, you can skip it and just bake them if you’re short on time.

3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure they are golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the middle.

4. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to a day in advance or freeze them for later. Just bake and top with sauce and cheese when you’re ready to serve.

5. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

6. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works great! Just make sure to use a good-quality brand for the best flavor.

7. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.

8. Can I bake the meatballs without searing them first?
Yes, you can bake them directly, but they may not have the same crispy exterior. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.

9. Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture?
Absolutely! Try adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the mix for added nutrition and flavor.

10. What if I don’t like mozzarella cheese?
Feel free to swap it with your favorite melting cheese, like provolone, cheddar, or fontina.

CONCLUSION

Chicken Parm Meatballs are everything you love about chicken parmesan, but in a fun, bite-sized form that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender, flavorful chicken, crispy exterior, and gooey melted cheese, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or paired with pasta, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. So get cooking and indulge in these little bites of Italian-inspired heaven!

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