Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
If you are looking for a deliciously comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of Italy with the cozy feel of home-cooking, this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, juicy meatballs brimming with parmesan and mozzarella cheese simmered in a vibrant marinara sauce create an irresistible meal that feels both special and familiar. The perfect balance of gooey cheese, savory chicken, and fragrant herbs make this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role: fresh herbs add brightness, cheeses bring layers of flavor and gooey texture, and the ground chicken keeps things lighter without sacrificing juiciness.
- Ground chicken: The lean base that keeps the meatballs tender and moist.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, finely diced so it melts into the mix.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse a fragrant punch into every bite.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything together for perfect meatball shape and texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated and divided, it contributes sharp, nutty richness inside and as a topping.
- Large egg: Acts as a natural binder for flawless meatball cohesion.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herby lift that brightens the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that infuses classic Mediterranean flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Enhance and balance all the flavors perfectly.
- Marinara sauce: The luscious, tangy bed where meatballs simmer and soak up flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded to deliver that irresistible, melty cheese pull on top.
- Fresh basil: Added as a garnish to introduce a fresh pop of aromatic color.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Begin by combining the ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, half of the grated parmesan, the egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix until everything is just combined — be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Next, gently portion the mixture into meatballs and add them to a pot with simmering marinara sauce. Cover the pot and let them simmer for about 15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. This slows cooks the meatballs right in the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Broil with Cheese
Once the meatballs are cooked through and soaking in that rich sauce, sprinkle the remaining parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Place the meatballs under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a golden, bubbly crust. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn — this step finishes the dish with a fantastic melty, cheesy top.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a beautiful burst of color and a subtle, sweet aroma that complements the rich cheese and tangy tomato sauce perfectly. Sprinkle torn basil over the finished meatballs just before serving for a fresh, restaurant-worthy touch.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine alongside a bed of al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta, soaking up every drop of marinara. For a low-carb option, pair with sautéed zucchini noodles or a crisp Caesar salad to balance indulgence with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs as slider sandwiches with toasted buns and a layer of extra marinara sauce for a fun twist at gatherings. Alternatively, use them as a hearty pizza topping or toss with garlic breadsticks on the side for a casual, shareable feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store meatballs and sauce together to maintain moisture, and keep cheese toppings loose if possible to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, allowing the meatballs to warm through without drying out. Add a splash of water or extra marinara if the sauce has thickened too much. For the best cheesy experience, sprinkle a bit more mozzarella on top and broil briefly to revive that golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield similarly tender meatballs. Just be careful not to overcook as turkey can dry out faster than chicken.
Is it okay to skip the onion?
Yes, the onion is optional. It adds sweetness and moisture, but if you prefer a more straightforward flavor or have dietary restrictions, you can leave it out without sacrificing much.
What can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, blend equal parts dried oregano, basil, and thyme, and add a pinch of rosemary for a similar effect. Fresh herbs can also work well if finely chopped.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. This maintains the texture without compromising flavor or structure.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of simmering?
Yes, baking is an alternative. Bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through, then transfer to warmed marinara sauce for a few minutes before broiling with cheese to finish.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and flavorful chicken all in one irresistible dish. Whether a weeknight dinner or a gathering favorite, I promise this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy the comfort and joy it brings to your table!
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Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic Italian favorite. Made with ground chicken, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, these tender meatballs are simmered in marinara sauce and finished under the broiler for a golden, cheesy topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup) – optional
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup (85 grams) grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, half of the grated parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until ingredients are just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Bring the marinara sauce to a simmer in a large skillet or saucepan. Carefully portion the meat mixture into meatballs and gently place them into the simmering sauce. Cover with a lid and let them simmer for 15 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Broil the Meatballs: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs in the sauce. Place the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish the cheesy chicken parmesan meatballs with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot with your choice of pasta, bread, or a side salad.
Notes
- Using ground chicken keeps these meatballs lean but tender; you can substitute with ground turkey if preferred.
- If you prefer, bake the meatballs before adding sauce to firm them up before simmering.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Be careful while broiling as cheese can quickly burn; keep a close eye during the last step.
- The onion is optional but adds sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
