Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chicken parmesan meatballs! They’re not just your regular meatballs; they’re a game changer for dinner. I remember the first time I made them for a cozy family night. Everyone gathered around the table, and the aroma of garlic and marinara filled the air. The meatballs were juicy, packed with flavor, and topped with melty mozzarella. Trust me, it felt like a warm hug on a plate! The beauty of this recipe is how it elevates a classic Italian dish into something that feels both comforting and a bit fancy. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, on a sub, or just on their own, these meatballs are sure to impress and satisfy. Get ready to whip up a dinner that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meatballs bake evenly and get that lovely golden color!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. I like to use my hands for this part—it’s the best way to really mix everything together. Just make sure your hands are clean!
- Now, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in size. You want them to be uniform so they cook evenly, but don’t stress if they’re not perfect; a little irregularity adds character!
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your meatballs on it, making sure to leave some space between each one. This helps them cook properly without steaming.
- Bake those beauties in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and have a nice golden hue. You can check their doneness by cutting one open; it should be no longer pink in the center.
- While the meatballs are baking, grab a saucepan and heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. You want it to be warm and inviting!
- Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the marinara sauce and let them simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial; it lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs and cover the saucepan until the cheese melts. Trust me, this melty goodness is the cherry on top!
- Serve warm, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these meatballs ready to bake, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Taste: The combination of ground chicken, garlic, and parmesan creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Healthier Option: Using ground chicken keeps these meatballs lean while still being hearty and satisfying.
- Versatile Serving: Whether you serve them with pasta, on a sub, or as an appetizer, they fit any occasion.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike rave about these meatballs, making them a hit at any dinner table.
Plus, the melty mozzarella on top just seals the deal—who could resist that? You’ll find yourself making these often!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken parmesan meatballs turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients—fresh parsley and good parmesan really elevate the flavor. I always use freshly grated parmesan because it adds a nutty richness that pre-grated cheese just can’t match.
Also, when mixing your meatball ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, and we want them to be tender and juicy. And here’s a little trick: if you wet your hands before rolling the meatballs, they won’t stick, and you’ll get a nice smooth shape.
Finally, don’t forget to keep an eye on the oven! Every oven is different, so check your meatballs a couple of minutes early to avoid overcooking. Trust me, these little tips will make a big difference in your dinner experience!
Variations of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to switch up these chicken parmesan meatballs! For a little kick, try adding red pepper flakes or some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the mix. Want to make them even more herbaceous? Fresh basil or oregano can give them an aromatic boost! You could also swap out the marinara sauce for a creamy alfredo for a different take—delicious! And if you’re in the mood for something fun, serve them on a toasted sub roll with extra cheese for a mouthwatering meatball sandwich. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these chicken parmesan meatballs, the options are super versatile! I love pairing them with a side of spaghetti or a hearty penne pasta tossed in extra marinara sauce. It’s a classic combo that feels comforting and filling. For a lighter side, a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice peppery contrast that brightens the meal. You could also serve them on toasted sub rolls for a scrumptious meatball sandwich, topped with more marinara and extra melted mozzarella—talk about indulgence! Whatever you choose, these meatballs are sure to steal the show!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional values for these chicken parmesan meatballs can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to provide accurate information, it’s always a good idea to check the labels for your chosen products to get the most precise data. Enjoy these meatballs knowing they’re both delicious and a healthier option for dinner!
FAQ About Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this chicken parmesan meatballs recipe. It’ll still be juicy and flavorful!
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? No worries! You can use crushed crackers or even oats as a substitute. Just make sure they’re finely crushed for the best texture.
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just remember to cook them fully before serving.
How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They also freeze well—just thaw and reheat in marinara sauce when you’re ready to enjoy!
What can I serve with chicken parmesan meatballs? These meatballs are super versatile! Serve them with pasta, on a sub roll, or even over a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Enjoy experimenting!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of chicken, you can visit Healthline for detailed information.
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe to Elevate Dinner Tonight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious chicken parmesan meatballs recipe that enhances your dinner experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in size.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and cover until melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh parsley for better flavor.
- Feel free to add Italian seasoning.
- Serve with pasta or on a sub for a sandwich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan meatballs, dinner recipes, Italian meatballs