Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Delicious and tender chicken parmesan meatballs simmered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting family meal served over pasta, rice, or garlic bread.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup, optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten free if needed)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (remaining)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ½ cup parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined; avoid over mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Heat the Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into a pan with a lid. Warm it over gentle heat as you prepare the meatballs to ensure the sauce is simmering once the meatballs are added.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture. Roll each portion between wet hands to form smooth, round meatballs; the water prevents sticking.
- Cook the Meatballs in Sauce: Immediately drop each meatball into the simmering marinara sauce. Cover with the pan lid and let simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Broil with Cheese: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and all the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs in the sauce. Place the pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and nicely browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot. These meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, rice, or garlic bread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a gluten free version, use gluten free breadcrumbs.
- Do not over mix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Wet your hands with water when rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- You can prepare the meatball mixture a few hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking.
- Broiling cheese on top adds a delightful golden crust and extra flavor.
Keywords: chicken parmesan meatballs, meatballs in marinara, easy Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, chicken dinner