Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these chicken parmesan meatballs! They’re not just any meatballs; they’re perfectly baked little bites of heaven that are bursting with flavor! Made with lean ground chicken, they’re a healthier twist on a classic favorite, and you won’t believe how juicy and delicious they turn out. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! Plus, they’re packed with protein and paired with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella, making them a wholesome meal that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down. Whether you serve them over spaghetti or in a sub, these chicken parmesan meatballs are sure to become a staple in your home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, delightful dish!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Let’s gather all the delicious ingredients you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious chicken parmesan meatballs! Each one plays a special role in creating that mouthwatering flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground chicken – This is the star of the show, keeping things lean and tasty!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs and give them that perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – For that cheesy goodness and a flavor boost!
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley – Fresh herbs make all the difference, adding a lovely touch.
- 1 egg – This helps hold everything together like a pro!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because who doesn’t love the aroma of garlic wafting through the kitchen?
- 1 teaspoon salt – Just the right amount to enhance those flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A hint of spice to round out the taste.
- 1 cup marinara sauce – The perfect partner for our meatballs, adding richness and moisture.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Because, let’s be honest, more cheese is always better!
Make sure you have everything on hand, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delicious chicken parmesan meatballs! It’s easier than you might think, and the result is just heavenly!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your meatballs are ready to go in!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. I love using my hands to mix everything together—it’s so satisfying! Just make sure everything is well combined but don’t overmix!
- Next, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. I find that rolling them between my palms makes for a nice, smooth shape.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your meatballs on it, giving them a little space to breathe. This helps them cook evenly!
- Bake those beauties in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they’re cooked through and golden. The smell will be irresistible!
- Once they’re out of the oven, it’s time for the best part: top each meatball with a generous spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Yum!
- Pop them back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh wow, you’re going to love this!
And there you have it! Simple steps for a truly delightful dish that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: These chicken parmesan meatballs come together in no time! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginners can nail this dish.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of juicy ground chicken, zesty garlic, and rich marinara sauce topped with gooey mozzarella creates a flavor explosion in every bite!
- Healthier Option: Using ground chicken keeps these meatballs lean while still being satisfying, so you can enjoy a comforting meal without the guilt.
- Versatile: Serve them over spaghetti for a classic meal, pile them into a sub roll for a tasty sandwich, or even enjoy them on their own as an appetizer—there are endless possibilities!
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs are perfect for batch cooking! Make a big batch and freeze them for quick meals on busy nights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these chicken parmesan meatballs are sure to impress and leave everyone wanting more!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your chicken parmesan meatballs turn out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips to elevate your game:
- Meatball Size: Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking. If they’re too big, they might take longer to cook through, and nobody likes a raw meatball!
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven! Every oven is different, so start checking around the 18-minute mark. You want them golden and cooked through.
- Ingredient Substitutes: Don’t have breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers or panko for a different texture! Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried ones—just use a bit less since dried is more concentrated.
- Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! A blend of mozzarella and provolone can add a delicious twist.
- Extra Flavor: For an added kick, try incorporating some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture!
With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating the best chicken parmesan meatballs ever!
Variations of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, there are so many fun variations you can try with your chicken parmesan meatballs! For starters, why not swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or even lean beef? Each option brings its own unique flavor! You can also experiment with different herbs; think basil, oregano, or even a hint of thyme for a fresh twist.
Feeling spicy? Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mixture for a kick! And if you’re in the mood for something saucy, try using pesto instead of marinara for a delightful herbaceous flavor. You can even stuff your meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella for a melty surprise in every bite! The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these chicken parmesan meatballs! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per meatball, so you can feel good about enjoying these delicious bites:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, you’re getting a tasty, protein-packed meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your chicken parmesan meatballs, the options are as delightful as the meatballs themselves! One classic way is to serve them over a heaping plate of spaghetti, allowing that rich marinara sauce to mingle with the pasta—pure comfort food! If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, slide those meaty wonders into a toasted sub roll, add some extra marinara and a sprinkle of parmesan, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
And don’t forget about side salads! A fresh, crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the meatballs. For those cozy nights, you could even serve them with garlic bread on the side for a true Italian feast. No matter how you choose to serve them, these chicken parmesan meatballs are sure to steal the show!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken parmesan meatballs is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal! When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer, you can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just cover them with foil to keep that delicious mozzarella melted and gooey. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
FAQ about Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will give you a slightly different flavor while still keeping it lean and delicious. Just make sure to keep an eye on cooking times as turkey can cook a bit differently.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer! You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open and make sure there’s no pink inside—cooked chicken should be white throughout!
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and keep them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Or, you can bake them, let them cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I freeze chicken parmesan meatballs?
Yes! They freeze beautifully. Just place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I serve with chicken parmesan meatballs?
These meatballs are super versatile! You can serve them over spaghetti, in a sub roll, or with a side salad. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables also make great accompaniments, adding extra flavor and balance to your meal.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: 7 Irresistible Bites to Savor
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Delicious chicken parmesan meatballs, baked to perfection.
Ingrédients
- 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
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Form mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Remove from oven, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Return to oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Serve with spaghetti or on a sub roll.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 25 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 meatball
- Calories: 150
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 250mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 15g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 45mg
Mots-clés: chicken parmesan meatballs
