Let’s be real: some days you need a dinner that wraps you in a warm hug. That’s exactly what these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs do. They’re juicy, cheesy, saucy, and—bonus!—they come together in just one pan. Whether you’re feeding a picky eater, trying to jazz up your usual dinner routine, or just craving comfort food without the heavy lifting, this is your go-to recipe.
These little flavor bombs are like a love letter to classic Chicken Parmesan—but way less fussy and a whole lot faster. Plus, they’re baked right in marinara sauce and finished under the broiler for that irresistible melty cheese moment. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell like an Italian grandma’s dream.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
There’s a lot to adore here—let’s count the ways:
- Healthier twist: Ground chicken keeps things light but still totally satisfying.
- One pan magic: Minimal cleanup equals more time for, well, anything else.
- Kid and adult approved: Cheesy? Check. Saucy? Check. A total crowd-pleaser? Double check.
- Perfectly pairable: Serve over pasta, spoon onto garlic bread, or just eat them straight from the skillet (no judgment).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs shine:
- Ground chicken (or turkey if that’s your thing)
- Breadcrumbs & egg – the secret glue that holds everything together
- Onion & garlic – flavor town!
- Fresh parmesan cheese – go for the real stuff, not the powdered kind
- Chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper
- Marinara sauce – homemade or your favorite jarred
- Mozzarella cheese – because melted cheese is a non-negotiable
- Fresh basil (optional but so pretty)
Quantities can be found in the recipe card below, but feel free to eyeball if you’re feeling bold (just don’t tell my mom).
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Step 1: Mix It Up
In a big ol’ bowl, toss in your ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, ½ cup parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (or a spatula if you’re squeamish) to gently mix until just combined. Overmixing is the enemy of tender meatballs—so don’t go ham.
Step 2: Simmer in Sauce
Warm up your marinara sauce in a pan with a lid. Use a 3-tablespoon scoop (or just wing it) to shape the meatballs. Roll them between damp hands so they don’t stick. Drop them right into the simmering sauce—no pre-browning needed. Cover and let them simmer for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re ready when the internal temp hits 165°F.
Step 3: Cheese It Up
Now comes the magic. Sprinkle the rest of your parmesan and all the mozzarella over the meatballs. Pop the whole pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and beautifully golden. Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips & Tricks
- No onion fan? Skip it—your secret’s safe with me.
- Cheese shortcut: Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but freshly grated melts like a dream.
- Make ahead: Form the meatballs and store in the fridge a day ahead. Boom, dinner’s halfway done.
- Freezer friendly: Cooked meatballs freeze like champs. Reheat with extra sauce for an easy meal.
A Quick Story From My Kitchen
These meatballs made their grand debut on a night when I had 30 minutes, two hungry kids, and zero motivation. They were supposed to be for spaghetti, but my youngest started dipping garlic bread right into the skillet and declared it “the best chicken ever.” It’s been on repeat ever since—because when you win dinner with zero complaints, you don’t ask questions.
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Turkey works just as well and tastes delicious.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes! Try using crushed crackers, oats, or even almond flour for a low-carb option.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
How do I store leftovers?
Sure, swap in your favorite dairy-free cheeses. Just know the melt factor might vary.
The Comfort of Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are more than just dinner—they’re a little piece of happiness in a skillet. With their gooey melted cheese, juicy tenderness, and rich tomato goodness, they bring all the comfort of classic Italian flavors without the hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that says, “Hey, I’ve got you,” after a long day of work, errands, or wrangling little ones.
They’re easy to whip up, endlessly comforting, and surprisingly versatile—perfect over spaghetti, tucked into a crusty roll for a meatball sub, or even served with a crisp green salad for a lighter take. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a crew, or stocking your freezer for future cozy nights, this dish rises to the occasion every single time.
So go ahead, pour yourself a glass of something nice , cue up your favorite playlist or podcast, and dive into the magic of these meatballs. You’ve earned this bite of delicious comfort—and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Discover More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you loved these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, you’ll definitely want to explore more cozy, flavorful meals from Chicken Magic Recipes! Here are some top picks to keep the comfort food magic going strong:
- Craving another saucy and cheesy meatball dish? You’ll love our Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs—they’re tender, flavorful, and oven-baked to perfection.
- Looking for something creamy and herb-packed? Try the mouthwatering Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce, perfect for pasta or rice.
- For a cozy, French-inspired dinner that feels like a warm hug, don’t miss the comforting Chicken Fricassee—a one-pan wonder that’s rich and satisfying.
- Want a meatball with a Mediterranean twist? These herby, zesty Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo are refreshing, wholesome, and totally weeknight-friendly.
Click through and find your next family-favorite recipe—because there’s always room for more chicken magic at your table!
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are juicy, cheesy, and simmered in marinara sauce—your new favorite one-skillet dinner! With lean ground chicken, Italian herbs, and a gooey cheese topping, they bring all the comfort of classic chicken parmesan with half the effort.
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup finely diced onion (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, ½ cup parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix.
Heat marinara sauce in a large skillet with a lid over low heat.
Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll into balls (wet hands help prevent sticking).
Drop meatballs directly into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and all the mozzarella cheese.
Broil for 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or garlic bread.
Notes
Make-ahead tip: Roll meatballs up to 1 day in advance and store covered in the fridge.
To freeze: Cook completely, then cool and freeze. Reheat in sauce over low heat.
No onion? Skip it! These meatballs are still full of flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop + Broiler
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg