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
Scale
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
