These Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are juicy and packed with cheesy goodness! Made with ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and parmesan, they’re a quick hit for family dinners.
Ever try meatballs that bake up nice and crispy? I can’t get enough of them! Pair them with pasta or on a sub roll for a tasty twist. Quick and yum, that’s my kind of cooking! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the main protein in the recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey works great as a substitute. You could also use a mix of chicken and turkey for a different texture.
Bread Crumbs: I recommend Italian style for flavor, but regular breadcrumbs or panko can also do the job. For a lower-carb option, crushed almonds or your choice of gluten-free breadcrumbs can work well, too!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-grated Parmesan will suffice. Nutritional yeast is a great non-dairy alternative if you’re vegan.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a nice pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used, but use less (about a tablespoon) since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is super convenient, but homemade is always an option if you have the time. You can also use pesto or a creamy tomato sauce for a twist!
How Do You Keep Meatballs from Being Dry?
To keep your meatballs juicy, use a mix of moisteners. The egg acts as a binder and keeps everything together, while the breadcrumbs absorb moisture. Adding cheese also keeps them moist as it melts.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; this can make them tough.
- Form them gently and try to be consistent in size for even cooking.
- Baking them in marinara sauce helps lock in moisture too.
Remember, the key to delicious meatballs is to be gentle when mixing and shaping. Happy cooking!
Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (Italian style preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for topping
- Olive oil (optional, for greasing the baking dish)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 30-35 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Cooking Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step to ensure your meatballs cook evenly and get that nice, golden finish. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything gently until well combined, but be careful not to overmix—this can make the meatballs dense.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
With your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow them to cook evenly.
4. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over and around the meatballs, making sure they are nicely coated. This will add extra flavor and keep them moist while baking.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the meatballs to be cooked through and start to brown on top.
6. Add Cheese Topping:
After 20-25 minutes, take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs, giving them a delicious cheesy topping!
7. Finish Baking:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma will be irresistible!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the meatballs out of the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm with spaghetti, on sub rolls, or enjoy as an appetizer with extra marinara sauce on the side. They’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and cheesy baked chicken Parmesan meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken. It will keep the meatballs moist and flavorful, just like in the original recipe.
How Can I Make These Meatballs Gluten-Free?
To make these meatballs gluten-free, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or finely crushed gluten-free crackers. This will help maintain the texture without compromising flavor.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just shape the meatballs and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can bake them straight from the fridge when you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. If they’re a bit dry, add a splash of marinara sauce while reheating to keep them moist.