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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
5 from 15 votes

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs combine ground chicken with Parmesan, garlic, and herbs to form flavorful meatballs browned in olive oil. They’re simmered in a savory tomato sauce seasoned with basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. The tender meatballs with a cheesy center and rich sauce make this dish suitable for serving over pasta or in a sandwich for a hearty meal.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 servings (5 meatballs each)
Calories: 532 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs or panko
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 cloves garlic minced, divided
  • 2 teaspoons parsley or 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, dried
  • salt freshly ground
  • black pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon basil dried
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes optional (only if you like the spice)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • parsley minced, for garnish, fresh

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a medium bowl, add ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste (I like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper) and mix well (I use my hands).
  2. Working with 2 tablespoons of meat mixture at a time, roll into balls and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate. (I use the OXO medium scoop (heaping), a size 40 portioner, and make 20 meatballs about 1 ounce each).
  3. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook until browned all over (about 2 minutes per side). You can do this in batches if necessary. Transfer to a bowl and leave the oil in the skillet.
  4. To the skillet, add remaining minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes (Be careful! They may splatter when they hit the hot oil, so keep the lid handy), basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes longer (meatballs should register 165 degrees when tested with an internal thermometer).
  6. Uncover and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with cheese, and cover until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes longer. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Wet your hands before rolling meatballs to prevent sticking and make shaping easier.
  • Using ground chicken thighs improves texture; trim excess fat and grind if possible.
  • For cheese-filled meatballs, enclose small mozzarella cubes within each meatball fully.
  • Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
  • To use store-bought sauce, pour it over browned meatballs without transferring them to a bowl.
  • Scoop, cook, and freeze meatballs in a single layer; reheat frozen meatballs directly in sauce for convenience.
  • For slow cooker, brown meatballs first, add sauce ingredients, and cook on low or high. Add mozzarella near serving time.
  • Garlic bread pairs well with sandwiches; pan-grill buttered bread and sprinkle with garlic salt.

Nutrition Information

Serving 5meatballs Calories 532kcal (27%) Carbohydrates 14g (5%) Protein 38g (76%) Fat 36g (55%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 194mg (65%) Sodium 633mg (26%) Potassium 702mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 500IU (10%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 415mg (42%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 servings (5 meatballs each)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 532

% Daily Value*

Serving 5meatballs
Calories 532kcal 27%
Carbohydrates 14g 5%
Protein 38g 76%
Fat 36g 55%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 194mg 65%
Sodium 633mg 26%
Potassium 702mg 15%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 500IU 10%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 415mg 42%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.