These Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are tasty and simple! Made with ground chicken, cheese, and Italian spices, they’re perfect for a cozy dinner.
They bake up perfectly without any frying mess, which means less cleanup for me! I love serving them with spaghetti or in a sub. Yum! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: It’s the star of the dish, lean and tasty. If you can’t find ground chicken, turkey works just as well. If you’re looking for a different flavor, ground beef or pork can also be used — just keep in mind they will change the texture a bit.
Italian Breadcrumbs: They give the meatballs a nice crunchy texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed rice crackers instead. For a quicker option, swap it with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a rich, salty flavor. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. You could also just use more mozzarella in a pinch.
Fresh Parsley: It brightens up the dish! If you don’t have parsley, basil or oregano can also bring a fresh flavor. Dried herbs could work too; just use less since they are more potent.
How Can I Ensure My Meatballs Hold Together?
Keeping your meatballs intact as they cook is crucial. Here’s a simple guide to help you with that:
- Start with good binding agents. The egg helps hold everything together, while breadcrumbs absorb moisture and provide stability.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Mix until just combined; overworking it can make them tough.
- Chill the formed meatballs for about 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them firm up and keeps their shape during cooking.
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So in total, you’ll spend about 40 minutes, including baking time. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the meatballs to stay tender and juicy!
3. Form the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them evenly spaced in the greased baking dish. This ensures they cook evenly. You should get about 12-15 meatballs!
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the center of a meatball. This will ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat!
5. Add Marinara Sauce:
Once baked, take the meatballs out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each meatball to give them flavor and moisture.
6. Cheese It Up:
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauced meatballs. It’ll get all melty and delicious when you bake it again!
7. Final Bake:
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Trust me, this is the best part!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Take the meatballs out of the oven and garnish them with extra chopped parsley to add a pop of color. Serve them hot with your favorite pasta, a refreshing side salad, or some crusty bread for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your deliciously Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! 🍽️
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will still give you delicious meatballs. Just make sure to check the cooking temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make These Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the meatballs and form them, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or warm them in a saucepan with a little marinara sauce to keep them moist.
Can I Use Store-Bought Marinara Sauce?
Definitely! Using store-bought marinara sauce is a convenient option that saves time. Just choose one you enjoy, or spice it up with additional herbs or red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
