Method
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Mix gently using your hands or a spoon.
- Do NOT overmix — this keeps the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Roll into Meatballs
- Shape into 1–1.5 inch meatballs.
- Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- You should get about 18–22 meatballs depending on size.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until:
- Light golden
- Fully cooked
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)
- Optional: Broil 2 minutes at the end for a crispier exterior.
Step 5: Add to Marinara Sauce
- Heat marinara sauce in a skillet or saucepan.
- Once meatballs are cooked, gently place them into the sauce.
- Simmer for 8–10 minutes to absorb flavor.
Step 6: Add Mozzarella and Melt
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs.
- Cover and heat 3–5 minutes until cheese is fully melted and gooey.
Step 7: Serve
- Top with fresh basil.
- Serve over pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or in classic sub sandwiches.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Store up to 4 days. Freezer Great for freezing! Freeze up to 3 months. Freeze meatballs alone or in sauce. Reheating Stovetop: Simmer in sauce for 5 minutes Microwave: 1–2 minutes Air fryer: 3 minutes at 350°F 🥄 Variations
1. Chicken Parm Meatball Subs Serve inside toasted rolls with extra sauce and cheese. 2. Spicy Version Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the meat mixture. 3. Extra Cheesy Meatballs Mix mozzarella into the meatball mixture + melt more on top. 4. Baked Sheet Pan Meal Bake meatballs alongside veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. 5. Low-Carb Version Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour. 6. Creamy Parmesan Sauce Simmer meatballs in a creamy Alfredo-style sauce. 7. Herbed Version Add fresh parsley or fresh oregano to the meat mixture. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes — prep the meatballs and refrigerate raw for up to 24 hours. 2. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey works perfectly. 3. Why did my meatballs turn out dry? Ground chicken is lean — don’t overbake and keep enough moisture (eggs + cheese). 4. Can I pan-fry instead of baking? Yes — brown in a skillet, then simmer in marinara. 5. Should I cover them while baking? No — leave uncovered so they brown nicely. 6. Can I add vegetables? Yes, finely grated zucchini or carrots work great. 7. What pasta pairs well? Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or orzo. 8. Are these good for meal prep? Absolutely — they reheat beautifully. 9. Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder? Yes — 2 cloves minced. 10. Can I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. 🏁 Conclusion These Chicken Parm Meatballs deliver everything you crave in a cozy weeknight dinner — juicy chicken, melty cheese, Italian herbs, savory marinara, and a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them over pasta, inside a cheesy sub, paired with vegetables, or eaten straight from the skillet, each bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and comfort, making it a staple for busy nights, meal prep, or family dinners. Cheesy. Juicy. Comforting.
The perfect weeknight chicken dinner.
Refrigerator Store up to 4 days. Freezer Great for freezing! Freeze up to 3 months. Freeze meatballs alone or in sauce. Reheating Stovetop: Simmer in sauce for 5 minutes Microwave: 1–2 minutes Air fryer: 3 minutes at 350°F 🥄 Variations
1. Chicken Parm Meatball Subs Serve inside toasted rolls with extra sauce and cheese. 2. Spicy Version Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to the meat mixture. 3. Extra Cheesy Meatballs Mix mozzarella into the meatball mixture + melt more on top. 4. Baked Sheet Pan Meal Bake meatballs alongside veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. 5. Low-Carb Version Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour. 6. Creamy Parmesan Sauce Simmer meatballs in a creamy Alfredo-style sauce. 7. Herbed Version Add fresh parsley or fresh oregano to the meat mixture. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes — prep the meatballs and refrigerate raw for up to 24 hours. 2. Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey works perfectly. 3. Why did my meatballs turn out dry? Ground chicken is lean — don’t overbake and keep enough moisture (eggs + cheese). 4. Can I pan-fry instead of baking? Yes — brown in a skillet, then simmer in marinara. 5. Should I cover them while baking? No — leave uncovered so they brown nicely. 6. Can I add vegetables? Yes, finely grated zucchini or carrots work great. 7. What pasta pairs well? Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or orzo. 8. Are these good for meal prep? Absolutely — they reheat beautifully. 9. Can I use fresh garlic instead of powder? Yes — 2 cloves minced. 10. Can I make them gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. 🏁 Conclusion These Chicken Parm Meatballs deliver everything you crave in a cozy weeknight dinner — juicy chicken, melty cheese, Italian herbs, savory marinara, and a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy them over pasta, inside a cheesy sub, paired with vegetables, or eaten straight from the skillet, each bite is tender, flavorful, and satisfying. This recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and comfort, making it a staple for busy nights, meal prep, or family dinners. Cheesy. Juicy. Comforting.
The perfect weeknight chicken dinner.
