Description
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs coated with crispy Panko breadcrumbs, simmered in rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper, they deliver a satisfying crunch and a burst of savory flavors. Serve them over pasta for a quick and delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (plus about 3/4 cup additional for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil (divided)
For Baking
- 1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons torn basil (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasonings, kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2 inch diameter balls.
- Brown the Meatballs – First Half: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Roll half of the meatballs in the additional Panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place them in the hot oil and brown each side until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Add more oil if necessary during cooking. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Brown the Meatballs – Second Half: Wipe out any leftover breadcrumbs from the skillet, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Roll the remaining meatballs in Panko breadcrumbs and brown them on each side until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Bake Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the same oven-safe skillet (or transfer to any baking dish if preferred). Arrange the browned meatballs evenly on top of the sauce. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking: After 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve the chicken Parmesan meatballs hot over your favorite cooked pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs offer a quick, delicious Italian meal perfect for weeknights.
- The Panko crumbs provide a crispy texture that complements the tender meat.
- Serving over noodles with garlic bread and a fresh salad elevates the dinner experience.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
