I love a good chicken Parmesan, whereas my kids love meatballs and spaghetti. So, I combined the two and created these chicken Parmesan meatballs to satisfy everyone’s cravings! I make the meatballs from scratch and then fry them to make the outside SUPER crispy. This is my secret to getting that authentic chicken Parmesan taste! Then, all I have to do is bake them in the marinara sauce – so easy.
What’s in This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe?
I don’t like to use too many ingredients in my recipes – I’m all about that easy life! This recipe only requires a few simple items that you probably already have in your pantry.
Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken to make the meatballs. Italian Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are seasoned with Italian herbs, making them perfect for this recipe. Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a super crispy crust on the outside of the meatball. Eggs: Binds the meatballs together and helps the breadcrumbs to stick. Spices: Minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning give these meatballs some Italian-inspired flavor. Flour: Use all-purpose flour to coat the meatballs before dipping in the eggs and breadcrumbs. Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce or make your own homemade version. Mozzarella Cheese: It melts perfectly on top of the meatballs! I used sliced mozzarella but shredded will also work fine. If possible, shred the cheese yourself for the best results. Vegetable Oil: For frying the meatballs. For Serving: Top the chicken meatballs with Parmesan and fresh basil, then serve with your favorite pasta.
How to Store and Reheat
I often make these chicken and Parmesan meatballs ahead of time – they’re a lifesaver for busy weeknights! To store, let the meatballs cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
How to Freeze
To freeze, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven as described above.
Notes and Tips
Make your meatballs slightly smaller if you want to reduce the cooking time. Freezing the meatballs for 5 minutes helps them keep their shape while being dredged for frying and cooking. To give your Parmesan chicken meatballs even more flavor, replace some Panko breadcrumbs with shredded Parmesan. This will create a crispy AND cheesy coating on the outside! Don’t overwork the meat mixture when forming the meatballs – no one wants tough meatballs!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Step by Step
Preheat your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Make the Meatballs: Combine 1 pound of ground chicken, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons minced garlic in a large mixing bowl. Mix everything together until well combined. Using your hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Space them out onto a baking sheet and freeze for 5 minutes. Prepare the Skillet: While the meatballs flash-freeze, heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a wok or deep skillet. Heat until the oil registers 350°F on a thermometer. Prepare the Dredging Station: Get three shallow bowls and fill one with 1 cup of all-purpose flour, the next with 2 beaten eggs, and the last with 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (combined). Dredge the Meatballs: Take the meatballs out the freezer after 5 minutes. Coat each meatball with flour, before dipping into the eggs, and finally coating them with the breadcrumb mixture. To help them stick, I recommend gently pressing the breadcrumbs into the meatballs. Fry the Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs into the hot oil and cook for 6 minutes. Flip each meatball over halfway through the cooking time. Depending on how big your pan is, work in batches of 5-6 meatballs. Add the Marinara: Once fried, place all the meatballs into a baking dish. Pour over 1 cup of marinara sauce, and then top with 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese. Bake: Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake the chicken Parmesan meatballs for 8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle over some Parmesan, top with fresh basil, and serve over your favorite pasta!
More Chicken Parmesan Recipes We Love
Baked Chicken Parmesan Chicken Parmesan Baked Ziti Parmesan Crusted Chicken Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Chicken Parmesan
title: “Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-06” author: “Kathy Pratt”
Chicken Meatballs
The great flavors of chicken parmesan but in a meatball, you’ve got two Italian classics in one! Using ground chicken gives you juicy meatballs that melt in the mouth. Whipped up in one pan and oven baked to perfection, these little balls of loveliness will be a hit with the whole family. Looking for more Italian recipes? Why not also try my Italian Stuffed Shells with Meat and Cheese and my Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce Not just for dinner, these chicken parm meatballs are great for game day – whack them in slider buns – yum!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
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Chicken Meatball Recipe Notes
Egg: Binds the meatballs together. Breadcrumbs: Add texture and prevent soggy meatballs. Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses add nutty flavor and creaminess. Basil: Adds freshness. Seasonings: Garlic, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes add flavor. Chicken: These wouldn’t be chicken meatballs without ground chicken! Instead of chicken, try lean ground beef or pork. Olive Oil: Coats the meatballs so they crisp on the outside and stay moist inside.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are great over pasta, with rice or even mashed potatoes. You can serve them up with all kinds of sides, here are some favorites:
Homemade Hawaiian RollsGarlic Mashed CauliflowerLemon Parmesan Roasted BroccoliInstant Pot Mashed Potatoes
This recipe for chicken meatballs is so simple you’ll easily be able to memorize it!
More Meatball Recipes We Love
Sweet and Spicy Cocktail MeatballsGrandma’s Best MeatballsSwedish MeatballsBuffalo Chicken Meatballs
Ready in less than 30 mins, these easy chicken meatballs are packed with flavor and super versatile! Have the on your weekly rota or serve them up for game day – you can’t lose!
More Italian Chicken Recipes to Try:
Cheesy Bruschetta ChickenTuscan Chicken in Parmesan Cream SauceOven Baked Chicken Parmesan SlidersChicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll UpsChicken CacciatoreChicken Marsala
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