If you’re looking for a delicious and fulfilling dish that captures classic Italian flavors in a contemporary way, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are an excellent choice for you. Combining the comforting taste of chicken meatballs with the rich flavors of marinara and gooey cheese, this recipe elevates your meal to a whole new level. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or simply as a comforting weeknight dish, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are both satisfying and easy to make.
Why We Love This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs offer an irresistible mix of textures and flavors. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender inside, while the marinara sauce adds a savory depth that is hard to resist. The gooey mozzarella and fragrant parmesan cheese create a rich, creamy topping that melts flawlessly over the meatballs. You will appreciate how simple it is to prepare, allowing you to spend time enjoying the company of loved ones rather than being stuck in the kitchen. Whether served on a bed of pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own as an appetizer, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re lighter than the traditional beef version, satisfying cravings without overwhelming your palate.
Ingredients about Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
To make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Directions
Making Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is straightforward, even for cooking novices. Let’s walk through the process step-by-step.
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your meatballs will cook evenly once they are placed in the oven.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a good-sized mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It’s crucial to mix these ingredients gently until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the Meatballs: Once your mixture is ready, begin forming it into meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Fry the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for about 5 minutes, turning them every few minutes to achieve an even golden-brown color. This browning step adds an extra layer of flavor to the meatballs.
- Transfer the Meatballs: Once browned, carefully transfer the meatballs to a plate, allowing them to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Combine with Marinara: In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. Place the meatballs back into the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Feel free to sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and mozzarella over the top for that cheesy experience.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. If you like your cheese extra bubbly, switch to broil for a minute or two at the end.
- Serve: Now, your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are ready to be served! You can present them over a beautiful bed of pasta, in a crusty sub sandwich, or alongside marinara sauce for dipping as a perfect appetizer.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
When it comes to serving Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, the options are endless. One of the most popular ways is to serve them over a plate of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara, and soft noodles creates a fulfilling meal that will leave everyone satisfied.
Alternatively, you can use these meatballs to create a delicious sandwich. Hollow out a hoagie roll, fill it with meatballs and sauce, then top it with extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You may even choose to place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes for that golden, bubbly finish.
If you want something light and festive, serving the meatballs on toothpicks makes them perfect as finger food at a gathering or casual get-together. Pair them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, adding to the fun and flavor.
Offering a fresh salad alongside your chicken meatballs can complete the meal nicely. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish, providing a refreshing contrast.
Expert Tips: Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
To get the best results with your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to flavorful meatballs is using fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality chicken will make a difference in taste.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, use a light hand. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, while gentle mixing ensures tender bites.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your preferences. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can offer a delightful kick.
- Baking Option: If you prefer to skip the frying step, you can bake the meatballs at 375°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through. This method saves on oil and is still incredibly delicious.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and parmesan are classics, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone for a unique flavor twist.
- Make Half and Freeze Half: If you want to meal prep, make a double batch and freeze half. Thaw and reheat whenever you want an easy meal.
How to Store Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
To store your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated and should be consumed within 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
If you wish to freeze them for later, place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This prevents them from sticking together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen or thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming.
Variation of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
While the original Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a sure hit, you might enjoy trying some variations to mix things up!
- Add Veggies: Incorporating finely chopped vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into your meat mix provides additional nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the meatball mixture to add a bit more flair.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: For a cheesy surprise, try stuffing each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella before rolling into shape. This creates a delicious melty center.
- Herb Variations: Swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley for a unique touch to the flavor profile.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces! Instead of classic marinara, try a creamy Alfredo or a basil pesto for an unexpected twist on serving.
FAQ
What are Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a tasty dish that combines ground chicken with Italian seasonings, breadcrumbs, and cheese. They are served in marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella for a delightful flavor experience.
How do I make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
To make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to form meatballs. Brown them in olive oil, then finish cooking in marinara sauce and top with cheese before baking.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
Yes, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs can be frozen. Allow them to cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat them from frozen or thaw in the fridge before warming.
What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
You can serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with marinara sauce. A fresh salad is also a great side option to balance the flavors.
Are Chicken Parmesan Meatballs healthy?
Compared to traditional beef meatballs, Chicken Parmesan Meatballs can be a lighter option, especially when made with lean ground chicken. You can also add veggies for extra nutrition.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken Use fresh ground chicken for the best flavor.
- 1 large egg Bind the ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs Light and crispy texture.
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Divided into two portions.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Adds flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Adds onion flavor without chunks.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste.
- to taste pepper Freshly ground for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying meatballs.
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 ounce) For coating the meatballs.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese For topping the meatballs.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches for about 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
- Carefully transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
- In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and return the meatballs, making sure they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- For extra bubbly cheese, switch to broil for a minute or two at the end.
Serving
- Serve the Chicken Parmesan Meatballs over pasta, in a sandwich, or as an appetizer with marinara sauce.
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