Oh my goodness, you guys! If you haven’t tried making chicken parmesan meatballs yet, you’re in for a real treat! These little gems are bursting with flavor and come together so easily that they’ll quickly become a weeknight favorite. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of garlic and Italian herbs wafting through my kitchen was enough to make my family gather around, eagerly anticipating dinner. Trust me, you’ll love how tender and juicy these meatballs are, all while being smothered in marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s comfort food at its best, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these chicken parmesan meatballs a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground chicken – This is the star of the show, providing a lean base for your meatballs.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds that rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind everything together while keeping the meatballs tender.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that aromatic punch that makes your kitchen smell divine.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that infuses the meatballs with that classic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For just a hint of spice.
- 1 cup marinara sauce – The perfect topping to add moisture and tang.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Because who doesn’t love gooey, melted cheese on top?
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your meatballs cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color. So, don’t skip it—set that oven and let it warm up while you get started on the rest!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands for this part because it gives me a good feel for the texture. You want it to be well mixed but not overworked—just enough to combine everything into a slightly sticky mixture that holds together nicely.
Form the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part! Grab a handful of the mixture and roll it into balls about 1 inch in diameter. This helps ensure they cook evenly. If you find the mixture sticking to your hands, just wet them slightly with water—it really helps! Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Bake the Meatballs
Pop those meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and firm to the touch, so don’t be afraid to give them a little poke! Trust me, the smell coming from your oven will have everyone drooling.
Add Sauce and Cheese
Once your meatballs are perfectly baked, it’s time to add the marinara sauce. Pour it generously over the meatballs, making sure they’re all nicely coated. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top—this step is so important, as it transforms your meatballs into a gooey, cheesy delight! Return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh, the anticipation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, these chicken parmesan meatballs come together in a flash!
- Flavor Packed: The combination of ground chicken, parmesan, and Italian herbs creates a deliciously savory experience in every bite.
- Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken, these meatballs are a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile: Serve them over pasta, in a sub, or on their own — they’re perfect for any meal!
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cheesy, comforting meatballs!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your chicken parmesan meatballs, here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time! First, don’t overmix the meatball mixture; this can lead to tough meatballs, and nobody wants that! Also, if the mixture feels too wet, add a touch more breadcrumbs to help it hold its shape. When forming the meatballs, make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking. And remember, a meat thermometer is your best friend—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to make sure they’re cooked through. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover chicken parmesan meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to keep them fresh and tasty. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs instead. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag, and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For reheating, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quick meal. Yum!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying chicken parmesan meatballs, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re not only delicious but also relatively nutritious! Each serving, which is about two meatballs, contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used. But you can feel good about indulging in these meatballs knowing they pack a protein punch while keeping it lighter on the carbs!
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give you a similar texture and flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.
How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
No problem! Just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers. They’ll turn out just as delicious!
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the meatball mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can save you time on busy nights.
What sauce can I use besides marinara?
If you want to mix things up, try using Alfredo sauce or pesto for a unique twist! Both pair beautifully with these chicken parmesan meatballs.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
They should be golden brown and firm to the touch, and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) ensures they’re cooked through. Enjoy your tasty creations!
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: 5 Ways to Elevate Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken parmesan meatballs are a flavorful and easy dish. They combine ground chicken with parmesan cheese and Italian herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Serve with pasta or crusty bread.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can freeze uncooked meatballs for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan meatballs
