Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes
I absolutely love making these Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs for a cozy dinner at home. The blend of flavors from the ground chicken and Parmesan cheese creates a delightful dish that satisfies all my cravings. Each meatball is juicy, tender, and packed with Italian herbs that make them irresistible. Whether served with spaghetti or on their own with a marinara sauce, these meatballs are always a hit and a family favorite. Plus, they're easy to make, which is a huge bonus for my busy weeknights.
When I first made these Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, I was amazed by how simple and satisfying they were to prepare. Using ground chicken instead of beef makes the meatballs lighter without sacrificing flavor. I took the time to let the mixture rest, which allowed the breadcrumbs to absorb the moisture from the chicken, yielding the perfect texture after baking. The result? A meatball that is both juicy and flavorful.
I love experimenting with different herbs and spices, and for this recipe, I added fresh basil and oregano. Each bite is bursting with Italian goodness, and the smell wafting through my kitchen is absolutely irresistible. Paired with a homemade marinara sauce, these meatballs have turned into my go-to comfort dish for family dinners.
You'll Love These Meatballs Because:
- Juicy and flavorful thanks to the ground chicken and Italian herbs
- Easy to customize with your favorite spices
- Perfect for meal prep and freezing
The Perfect Meatball Texture
Achieving the perfect meatball texture is crucial for a delightful dining experience. For these Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, the combination of ground chicken with breadcrumbs ensures you get a juicy interior without becoming overly dense. Chicken can dry out easily during cooking, so using a combination of ingredients like an egg and cheese helps bind everything while keeping it moist. Monitor them closely in the oven—when they reach a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they are perfectly done.
If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, consider adding an extra 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs or oats to the mixture. This not only enhances the structural integrity of your meatballs but also provides a satisfying bite. Don’t skip the fresh parsley; it not only adds a pop of color but also balances the richness of the cheese and chicken with its fresh flavor.
Customizable Flavor Boosts
While this recipe calls for dried oregano and basil, feel free to customize the herbs according to your taste preferences. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can provide a distinctly aromatic twist. If you enjoy a bit of heat, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes will enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the dish. Remember to taste the raw mixture before cooking; this way, you can adjust salt and spices to suit your palate.
For those on a gluten-free diet, swapping breadcrumbs for ground almonds or a gluten-free breadcrumb blend works well without compromising taste or texture. Additionally, incorporating finely chopped vegetables like spinach or grated zucchini can not only amp up the nutritional value but also add moisture to the meatballs, making them even juicier.
Ingredients
Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
Gather all ingredients and prepare to make delicious meatballs!
Steps
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs
Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
Warm up the marinara sauce and serve over the meatballs. Enjoy!
Enjoy your homemade Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are not just quick to prepare; they are also fantastic for meal prepping. You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is ideal for busy days; simply form them when you’re ready to cook. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge where they will last for three to four days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the meatballs. Simply line them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for an extra 10 minutes or until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs shine when paired with a light and tangy marinara sauce, but the serving options are plentiful. For a lower-carb dish, serve them atop zucchini noodles or with a side salad for a fresh contrast to the rich flavors. You can also turn these meatballs into a hero sandwich, layering them with sauce and melted mozzarella cheese on a toasted sub roll for a hearty meal.
For extra flair, you might sprinkle additional Parmesan on top just before serving, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm meatballs. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can also add a delightful sweetness that balances with the savory flavors. Don’t hesitate to experiment with sides like garlic bread or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe.
→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
→ Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Once cooked, let them cool and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
→ What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair well with spaghetti, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or even in a salad.
Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
I absolutely love making these Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs for a cozy dinner at home. The blend of flavors from the ground chicken and Parmesan cheese creates a delightful dish that satisfies all my cravings. Each meatball is juicy, tender, and packed with Italian herbs that make them irresistible. Whether served with spaghetti or on their own with a marinara sauce, these meatballs are always a hit and a family favorite. Plus, they're easy to make, which is a huge bonus for my busy weeknights.
Created by: Charlotte Wilson
Recipe Type: Home Comfort Food Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Warm up the marinara sauce and serve over the meatballs. Enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 22g