There’s something magical about the aroma of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: golden-brown meatballs, oozing with melted cheese, dancing in a rich tomato sauce. The moment you take a bite, the crispy exterior gives way to tender, juicy goodness, and your taste buds do a happy dance while your heart sings Italian opera. These delightful morsels are perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. For more inspiration, check out this meatballs and gravy recipe.
Now, let me take you back to that time I tried to make my first batch of meatballs. Spoiler alert: it ended up being a hilarious mess involving too much garlic and an unfortunate encounter with the smoke detector. But after many trials and errors (and a few charred batches), I finally perfected these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. Trust me; they’re worth every laugh along the way!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are easy to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Their rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Visually appealing with their golden crust and gooey cheese, they steal the show on any dinner table.
- They’re versatile too; serve them with pasta, in subs, or as delicious appetizers!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Chicken: Opt for lean ground chicken for moisture without excess fat; it keeps these meatballs light yet flavorful.
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Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for texture; they help bind the meatballs while adding flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and richness; stay away from pre-grated options if you can.
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Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil gives a fragrant aroma and brightens the dish with its herbal notes.
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Egg: One large egg helps hold everything together; it’s a must-have ingredient for meatball cohesion.
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Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder enhances flavor without overpowering; it’s an easy shortcut to deliciousness.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences but don’t skimp!
For the Sauce:
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Canned Crushed Tomatoes: Use quality crushed tomatoes as the base for a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with meatballs.
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Dried Oregano: Sprinkle in dried oregano for that classic Italian flavor profile that makes everything sing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands—don’t be shy! Mix until well combined but avoid overworking the mixture.
Step 3: Shape Those Meatballs
Using your hands (or an ice cream scoop if you’re fancy), shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs—about one inch in diameter works best.
Step 4: Bake Away
Place the meatballs on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make That Sauce
While the meatballs bake, stir together canned crushed tomatoes and dried oregano in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer gently until heated through—about five minutes should do it.
Step 6: Combine & Serve
Once the meatballs are ready, remove them from the oven and gently toss them in your warm tomato sauce. Serve immediately over pasta or on their own—either way will leave everyone wanting more!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy those Chicken Parmesan Meatballs while sharing laughs around the dinner table!
You Must Know
- This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken meatballs in a hot skillet to lock in flavor. While they sizzle, cook your pasta and warm up your sauce. This sequence ensures everything is ready at the same time, making for a delightful dining experience.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs or add spices like red pepper flakes for some heat. You could use ground turkey instead of chicken or toss in veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. Customize it to match your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
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- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor that store-bought versions can’t match.
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- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing; this helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- For more inspiration, check out this classic Chicken Parmesan recipe recipe.
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- Add breadcrumbs to your meat mixture for extra texture and moisture – it’s a game changer!
Sharing this recipe with friends at a potluck once brought raving reviews, especially from my aunt who claimed she couldn’t stop eating them—definitely not my intent, but hey, I’ll take it!
FAQs
What are Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
Chicken Parmesan meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Instead of using traditional pork or beef, this recipe features ground chicken combined with herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese. Parmesan Crusted Chicken After baking, you can serve these savory meatballs with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for an irresistible meal. They are perfect for family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
How do I make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs gluten-free?
To make Chicken Parmesan meatballs gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can use crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Additionally, ensure that any sauces or seasonings you use are also labeled gluten-free to maintain the quality of your dish without compromising flavor.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Parmesan meatballs! After cooking them, allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
Chicken Parmesan meatballs pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving them over spaghetti or zoodles for a lighter option. A fresh garden salad or garlic bread can complement the flavors well too. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad For a complete meal, add steamed vegetables or a side of roasted potatoes to enhance your dining experience.
Conclusion for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
In summary, Chicken Parmesan meatballs offer a delightful alternative to traditional recipes by using ground chicken and fresh ingredients. Their versatility allows you to serve them in numerous ways, making them suitable for any occasion. Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl By following this recipe, you’ll create a flavorful dish that everyone will love while avoiding specific dietary restrictions. Enjoy these scrumptious meatballs as part of your next family dinner or gathering!
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining moist ground chicken with savory herbs and spices, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. These tender meatballs are baked to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine crushed tomatoes and oregano; simmer for about five minutes.
- Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the warm tomato sauce and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
