Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Brimming with gooey mozzarella, flavorful Parmesan, and juicy chicken, the Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is pure comfort in every bite. Imagine all the best parts of classic chicken parmesan—melty cheese, herby seasoning, tangy marinara—rolled into tender, golden meatballs that practically disappear the moment they hit the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, looking for a weeknight dinner win, or simply craving cozy, Italian-inspired flavors, this dish truly delivers on both taste and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe are simple pantry or fridge staples, but together, they create magic. Each serves its own purpose, bringing richness, texture, or a pop of color to the finished dish.
- Ground chicken: The mild flavor and tender texture make the perfect canvas for all those cheesy, herby flavors.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the mixture for meatballs that are light but hold their shape beautifully when baked.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a savory, slightly nutty depth and that irresistible Parmesan fragrance.
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth, infusing the meatballs with classic Italian flavor in every bite.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes, giving complexity without any chopping.
- Italian seasoning: This handy blend infuses the meatballs with an aromatic, earthy herby kick.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors—don’t be tempted to skip!
- Black pepper: Lends just a touch of heat to balance the richness of the cheese.
- Large egg: Acts as the perfect binder, ensuring your meatballs stay moist and together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Oozes into every bite for melty, stretchy cheese pull perfection.
- Marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, tomatoey base that hugs the meatballs and makes everything extra luscious.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green gives a burst of freshness and a pretty finish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents any sticking and sets the stage for meatballs that bake up with a golden, slightly crisp exterior and juicy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, the egg, and half of the mozzarella. The key here is to mix until everything’s just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so use a gentle hand.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Scoop out the chicken mixture and roll it into bite-sized, 1 1/2-inch meatballs, placing each onto your prepared baking sheet. You should end up with about 20. Slide the sheet into your preheated oven, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
While your meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once those golden beauties are done, transfer them right into the skillet of hot sauce, gently tossing so each meatball gets coated with that flavorful tomato goodness.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the saucy meatballs. Cover and let it all simmer for a couple of minutes, just until the cheese is melted and irresistibly gooey. For an even more decadent finish, pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully until everything is bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To finish, shower your finished Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve them hot, right from the skillet, and get ready for lots of swooning at the table!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds gorgeous color but also lifts the whole dish with a hit of brightness. If you like things extra cheesy, try dusting with a little extra Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
The Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is outstanding served over a tangle of spaghetti or linguine. For a lighter touch, pair with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or pile onto toasted hoagie rolls for the ultimate meatball subs.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs in small bowls as appetizers at your next get-together, or skewer with toothpicks for a party-perfect bite. For cozy weeknights, spoon them over creamy polenta or zucchini noodles for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making the leftovers just as tempting for lunch or dinner.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container or bag. Store for up to 2 months, ideally without the fresh herb garnish for best texture and appearance when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered pan over low heat, adding a splash of extra marinara sauce if needed to keep everything moist and saucy. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and works nearly identically in this recipe. The finished dish will be slightly richer but still packed with flavor.
How do I make the meatballs extra crispy?
For crispier meatballs, broil them on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes right after baking, before tossing them in the marinara sauce. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and enjoy that extra crunch!
Can I double the Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe for a crowd?
Go for it! Simply double all of the ingredients, and use two baking sheets if needed to avoid overcrowding. This recipe scales up wonderfully, making it perfect for parties or potlucks.
What’s the best marinara sauce to use?
You can use homemade or your favorite store-bought marinara. Look for one with a robust tomato flavor and a short ingredient list for best results in your Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe.
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
The original version uses regular breadcrumbs, but it’s easy to swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe fully gluten-free without losing any flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, if you’re craving comfort and a little wow-factor at your table, give the Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe a spot in your meal rotation. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and every bite is packed with love (and cheese!). Give it a try and watch it become a new family favorite!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian-American dish. Tender ground chicken mixed with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, baked to perfection, then coated in marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. A family-friendly meal that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For Serving:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, egg, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Warm marinara sauce in a skillet.
- Coat Meatballs: Transfer baked meatballs to the skillet with sauce, toss to coat, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, on a hoagie roll, or with a side salad.
- For extra crispy meatballs, broil for 2–3 minutes before adding to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
