Imagine savoring the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs—juicy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned little bites of heaven that bring a comforting Italian flair to your dinner table. This recipe will take you from stove to table in no time, delivering a dish that’s both hearty and heartwarming.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile Pleasure: Perfect for a family dinner or fancy enough for a dinner party.
- Comfort in a Bite: Combines the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a fun, bite-sized form.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it a convenient weekday meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, you’ll create a symphony of flavors that makes these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs irresistible. Each ingredient has its own role, from adding moisture to enhancing flavor, ensuring the perfect bite.
- Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, this is the base for light and juicy meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a lighter texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and acts as a secondary binder.
- Italian Seasoning: Infuses the meatballs with aromatic herbs.
- Garlic Powder: Offers a gentle garlicky flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the meatballs.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
- Olive Oil: For frying, adds richness and crispness to the surface.
- Marinara Sauce: The perfect accompaniment to complement the meatballs.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the meatballs for a gooey finish.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. Customizing this recipe is a breeze, so you can cater to various dietary needs or simply suit your taste preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh basil or parsley with the meatball ingredients for a fresh herb flavor.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large prep bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together gently with your hands, ensuring not to overwork the mixture. Form into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Fry the Meatballs
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until they are browned on all sides, using tongs to turn them for even browning. If the oil becomes excessive, drain some from the skillet without cleaning out the flavorful bits.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
After browning, let the skillet cool slightly before adding marinara sauce to avoid splattering. Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and all the mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then broil briefly for a golden, bubbly top.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Balling Perfection: Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent the mixture from sticking while forming meatballs.
- Cheese Mix: For a richer flavor, use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Sauce Saver: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer to thicken slightly before adding meatballs.
- Texture Highlight: Gently combine ingredients to keep the meatballs tender, not dense.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Garnishes
Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never goes amiss, adding a deeper depth of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these meatballs with a side of al dente spaghetti or a fresh, crisp green salad to balance out the richness. Roasted vegetables also make a lovely accompanying side.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, try serving the meatballs on a platter layered with fresh mozzarella slices and cherry tomatoes. Or nestle them in individual ramekins for a personalized dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep them saucy, as leftover sauce keeps them moist!
Freezing
For longer storage, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, place your meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven-safe dish, covered, in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of sauce to keep them moist during reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground chicken with turkey, beef, or even a mix of meats for varied flavors and textures.
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What can I do if my meatballs fall apart?
Ensure you’re not overmixing the ingredients, as this can lead to a denser, crumbly mixture. Adding an extra egg or more panko can also help bind them better.
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How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Watch closely during broiling and position the oven rack in the middle to control heat exposure. If worried, omit broiling and bake for a tad longer at a lower heat.
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Are there dairy-free options?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives available in most grocery stores and substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy essence.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about how these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs have become a staple favorite. With their irresistible flavors and tempting aromas, they promise to steal the hearts of everyone at your table. Fun and full of flavor, these meatballs are more than just a meal— they’re a memory in the making. Try them out and let your taste buds dance with joy!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Enjoy these flavorful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, a delicious combination of juicy ground chicken, Italian seasonings, and melted cheese, baked to perfection for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Meatball ingredients
- 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
For frying and assembling
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Make the meatballs: In a prep bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands until well combined but do not overmix, as the mixture will be quite wet. Form approximately 1-inch meatballs, yielding around 20 pieces. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in two batches for about 5 minutes each, turning frequently with tongs until browned all over. Add more olive oil if needed for the second batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
- Prepare for baking: If there is excess oil in the skillet, drain it but keep any browned bits. Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent splattering when adding the marinara sauce.
- Combine and bake: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, return the meatballs to the sauce, and spreading them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Optional broiling: If you prefer browned, bubbly cheese, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes carefully watching to prevent burning.
Notes
- Meatballs cook differently depending on size; use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F in the center for safe consumption.
- This recipe is included in the Salt & Lavender: Everyday Essentials cookbook, chapter 3.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 586 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 2025 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 204 mg
