Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels both homey and special, you’ve got to try this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe. I absolutely love how these meatballs are juicy, packed with flavor, and surprise you with melty mozzarella inside every single bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe hits all the right notes and is really simple to pull off. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get these perfect every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s balanced and straightforward. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that most likely, you’ll already have these basics on hand, or they’re easy to find at any grocery store.

• Ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps these meatballs deliciously tender without being heavy.
• Grated parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty richness that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a lovely light texture instead of dense.
• Egg: The binder that holds all the meatball ingredients together.
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Dried oregano and parsley: Classic Italian herbs that add an aromatic herby note.
• Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for a subtle kick—you can tone it down if you prefer less heat.
• Flour: For dredging, this helps create a light crust on the outside during searing.
• Bocconcini mozzarella balls: The star of the show, hiding inside each meatball for that gooey, melty magic.
• Olive oil: For searing and infusing a subtle fruity depth.
• Marinara sauce: The tangy, rich tomato base that the meatballs bake in—homemade or store-bought works fine.
• Fresh basil leaves: Torn on top at the end, they bring brightness and freshness to every serving.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is—you can tweak it to your taste, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or just switch up the vibes based on what you have in the pantry.

• Use ground turkey or beef: I’ve tried it with turkey when I wanted a slightly different flavor, and it still comes out juicy and delicious.
• Make it spicier: Crank up the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne if you prefer a bolder heat sensation.
• Gluten-free version: Swap panko and flour for gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free dusting flour, and you’re good to go.
• Herb swap: Try adding fresh chopped basil or thyme into the mixture for a fresh twist.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Season Your Meatball Base

Start by combining your ground chicken, parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. I like to use my hands here because you get a better feel for when everything is evenly mixed without overworking the meat. Over-mixing can make your meatballs tough, so gently but thoroughly mix just until combined.

Step 2: Shape Meatballs and Insert Mozzarella

Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, then carefully press a bocconcini mozzarella ball into the center of each. It’s a bit like stuffing a little treasure inside. Once inserted, reshape the meatball around the cheese to fully enclose it, so no cheese peeks out—this helps the cheese melt inside and not leak during cooking.

Step 3: Dredge and Sear Meatballs

Lightly coat each meatball with flour, then shake off any excess. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s shimmering hot, add half the meatballs and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning to get an even golden-brown crust all over. This little crust is what adds a lovely texture contrast, so don’t skip it! Remove browned meatballs, then repeat with the rest.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs in Marinara

Lower heat to medium and pour your marinara sauce into the skillet, spreading it evenly. Nestle all the seared meatballs on top of the sauce, then pop the whole skillet into a preheated 350°F oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted inside. I’ve found that this two-step cooking (sear + bake) keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet out of the oven and sprinkle with a little extra salt, freshly cracked pepper, torn basil leaves, and if you want, some additional bocconcini pieces for that fresh melty touch. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about fresh basil to finish these meatballs—it adds a pop of herbal brightness that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy. Sometimes I also throw in a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving for that extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides here are classic pasta (like spaghetti or fettuccine) tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Roasted veggies, like zucchini or asparagus, also pair wonderfully. Trust me, your plate will be well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at a party, I’ve served these on skewers with marinara for dipping—instant party meatball bites! Alternatively, layering them on toasted baguette slices with marinara and melted cheese makes a stellar appetizer or bruschetta style snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully cooked meatballs before by letting them cool completely, then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag with sauce. They freeze well for up to 2 months—great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner rescue.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming these gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. You can also use the microwave for convenience—but keep an eye on them so the cheese doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for weeknight dinners and casual entertaining alike. I love how it blends comforting Italian flavors with easy prep and a little cheesy surprise inside every bite. When I first tried making these, I was hooked by how juicy they stayed and how the flavors harmonized so perfectly—trust me, your family or guests are going to go crazy for these. Give this recipe a try; it’s simple, satisfying, and just downright delicious. You’ll be glad you did!

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