If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together melty cheese, tender chicken, and a rich tomato sauce, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken parmesan, swapping out the usual cutlets for juicy, flavorful meatballs packed with parmesan and mozzarella. Each bite bursts with cheesy goodness and herb-infused warmth, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll be requested again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe just right depends on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and satisfying textures. Every ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender ground chicken to the fresh parsley that brightens the mix.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): The lean and tender base of your meatballs, perfect for a lighter twist on a classic.
- Yellow onion, finely diced (1 small): Adds sweetness and moisture, enhancing the meatball’s flavor and keeping them juicy.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Brings aromatic intensity and depth that makes the dish irresistible.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps bind the meatballs while adding a lovely texture; opt for gluten-free if preferred.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup, divided): Infuses the meatballs with a salty, nutty flavor and gives a savory crust when broiled.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a natural binder to keep everything together beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (¼ cup): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of classic herbs that beautifully complements the chicken and cheese.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a subtle kick and balances the richness.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): A fragrant tomato sauce bath that keeps the meatballs moist and adds tangy depth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): For that luscious, gooey cheesy topping that you won’t be able to resist.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Adds vibrant color and the perfect fresh finish to the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by gathering all your ingredients and placing the ground chicken in a large bowl. Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, half of your parmesan cheese, the egg, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, gently mix everything together until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so keep it light and airy for the perfect tender texture.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs in Marinara
Bring your marinara sauce to a gentle simmer in a large skillet or saucepan. Using a tablespoon or your hands, portion out the meat mixture into small balls and carefully place them into the sauce. Cover the pot and let the meatballs simmer for about 15 minutes, flipping them once halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and soak up all that rich tomato flavor.
Step 3: Broil with Cheese
Once the meatballs are cooked through, sprinkle over the remaining parmesan cheese and all of the shredded mozzarella. Set your oven to broil, then place the skillet or baking dish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and beautifully browned. Keep a close watch here to avoid burning; this step gives the dish that irresistible cheesy crust that makes it so memorable.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
To finish your Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe with a fresh, aromatic touch, scatter some torn or chopped fresh basil leaves on top. The basil’s bright, peppery flavor cuts through the richness and adds a lovely burst of green that makes the dish pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of comforting sides. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic Italian vibe, or alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables work well too, balancing out the richness with freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Try serving the meatballs skewered with fresh basil leaves and cherry tomatoes for a fun appetizer or party bite. You can also pile them on toasted garlic bread for a hearty sandwich or layer them into a bubbling casserole with extra mozzarella and marinara for a crowd-pleasing bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store the cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce helps keep them moist, so reheating won’t dry them out.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat the meatballs gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or microwave them covered to retain moisture. If you want that melted-cheese magic back, pop them under the oven broiler for a few minutes after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute, offering a similar texture and mild flavor that complements the cheese and herbs perfectly.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can use dried parsley or substitute with fresh basil or oregano, depending on your taste preferences.
Is it possible to bake the meatballs instead of simmering them?
Yes, baking is an option. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, then proceed with adding the sauce and broiling the cheese.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The key is not to overmix the meat but to use enough binder ingredients like egg and breadcrumbs. Also, cooking them gently in the sauce helps them hold together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is a joy to make and an even greater joy to eat. With its rich layers of cheesy, herby, and savory flavors, it’s bound to become a treasured classic in your recipe collection. Give it a try soon—I promise it will have everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic chicken parmesan, combining tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheeses for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish ready in just 40 minutes.
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, mix together the ground chicken, finely diced yellow onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, half of the grated parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet or saucepan until simmering. Gently add spoonfuls of the meatball mixture into the simmering sauce. Cover the pan and let the meatballs cook for 15 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Broil the Meatballs: Preheat your oven broiler. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the cooked meatballs. Place the pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For extra flavor, substitute fresh Italian herbs if available.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
