Description
Easy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs combine the flavors of classic chicken parm with bite-sized meatballs. Baked, cheesy, and simmered in marinara sauce, they make a perfect dinner, appetizer, or pasta topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup additional shredded mozzarella (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh parsley.
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it into meatballs. Place them in the greased baking dish, ensuring they are not touching.
Step 2: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 3: Simmer in Marinara & Add Cheese
- Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle the additional shredded mozzarella on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve over spaghetti, with garlic bread, in a sub roll, or enjoy as an appetizer.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb/Keto – Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Air Fryer Option – Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, then top with sauce and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan meatballs, baked meatballs, easy meatball recipe, Italian meatballs, chicken parm meatballs