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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These delightful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are made with ground chicken, Italian herbs, and a rich marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan, offering a lighter, flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground chicken Opt for high-quality, lean meat.
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
  • 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best for richer flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances the taste.
  • ¼ cup finely diced onion Optional; adds sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley Fresh herbs make a difference.
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning A classic blend for Italian flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Essential for enhancing all flavors.
For Serving
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Choose a good quality jarred sauce or homemade.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping the meatballs.
  • Fresh basil for garnish Adds a lovely touch of freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, ½ cup parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over low heat with a lid until it simmers gently.
  2. Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll into balls, wetting your hands to prevent sticking.
  3. Drop the meatballs directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Once cooked, sprinkle remaining parmesan and all the mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Broil for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Garnishing
  1. Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or alongside garlic bread.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. You can prepare them in advance and cook from frozen, adding extra time. Reheat in the oven for best results.