Ground Chicken Parmesan

If Ground Chicken Parmesan sounds like something you’d order at a cute little Italian place… but you’re currently standing in your kitchen wearing leggings and negotiating with a picky eater—hi, same. This recipe is that comforting, saucy, cheesy “chicken parm” vibe, except we’re skipping the breading-and-frying drama and going straight for the weeknight win.

It’s quick, it’s family-friendly, and it makes your house smell like you’ve got your life totally together (even if your laundry says otherwise). Let’s make Ground Chicken Parmesan magic.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Parmesan

• No messy breading or frying. Ground chicken keeps things easy and fast.
• One skillet comfort food. Minimal dishes = maximum joy.
• Cheesy, saucy, crunchy perfection. Melty mozzarella + parmesan + toasted panko on top? Come on.
• Picky-eater approved. It’s basically spaghetti night… but upgraded.
• Leftovers are even better. Like, “steal bites from the container” better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Toasted Breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Ground Chicken Parmesan

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided in half
• 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 770 mL marinara sauce (1 jar Rao’s)
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 2 sprigs basil
• 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Chicken Parmesan

1) Toast the breadcrumbs (your secret weapon)

1. Grab a large non-stick skillet and set it over medium-low heat.
2. Melt the butter, then add the panko, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Spread breadcrumbs into an even layer and let them sit 30 seconds to 1 minute without touching them (this is how you get that golden color).
4. Stir, then repeat the “let it sit” method 2–3 times until toasted and gorgeous.
5. Scoop breadcrumbs into a bowl and set aside.

Tip: If you “accidentally” snack on them while cooking, that’s just quality control.

2) Build the flavor base

1. In the same skillet (because we love easy cleanup), heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté for about 2 minutes.
3. Add chopped garlic and sauté 1 more minute.

At this point your kitchen should smell like you know what you’re doing. Enjoy it.

3) Brown the ground chicken

1. Push the onions/garlic to the side to clear a spot in the center.
2. Add ground chicken, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
3. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking the chicken into small crumbles as it browns.

You want it cooked through and nicely broken up—think “meaty sauce texture,” not big clumps.

4) Make it saucy and cheesy

1. Pour in the whole jar of marinara sauce.
2. Stir in the grated parmesan.
3. Add basil sprigs and let everything simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The basil sprigs are like a little spa day for your sauce. They add flavor without you needing to chop anything. (Busy-girl cooking at its finest.)

5) Melt mozzarella on top like a champ

1. Remove the basil sprigs and toss them.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top.
3. Cook 2 minutes until melted and dreamy.

Now you can either:

• Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs all over the skillet (big “ta-da!” energy), or
• Save them to top individual bowls (great if you want leftovers to stay crunchy later).

Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Add extra basil if you’re feeling fancy.

My Little Ground Chicken Parmesan Story

The first time I made Ground Chicken Parmesan, it was one of those days where everything felt loud—emails, schedules, dinner decisions, and that one kid asking for a snack while actively eating a snack.

I wanted chicken parm comfort, but I did not want the full production. So I grabbed ground chicken and turned it into a skillet situation. When the mozzarella melted and the toasted panko went on top, my family got real quiet for a minute—the best compliment. Now it’s one of my go-to “I need dinner to save this day” recipes.

Chicken Magic Tips for the Best Results

• Toast breadcrumbs first. Don’t skip it. That crunch on top makes the whole dish feel restaurant-level.
• Use a good marinara. Rao’s is listed for a reason—great flavor without extra work.
• Don’t rush the simmer. Ten minutes lets everything come together and taste rich.
• Want it extra cheesy? Add mozzarella, then a small sprinkle of parmesan on top right before serving.
• Serving idea: Spoon it onto garlic bread for a “lazy chicken parm sandwich” moment. Nobody has to know.

And if your cheese looks a little uneven while melting—don’t worry. It’s not a cheese beauty pageant. It’s dinner.

FAQs About Ground Chicken Parmesan

Bring On the Cozy Cheesy Magic

When you need a dinner that feels comforting but doesn’t require an Olympic-level effort, Ground Chicken Parmesan shows up and does the most—in the best way. It’s saucy, cheesy, and topped with that golden crunch that makes everyone think you worked harder than you did (we love that for us).

If you make this Ground Chicken Parmesan, serve it up hot, sprinkle those toasted breadcrumbs like confetti, and enjoy the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into a cozy little win. Happy cooking!

Keep the Chicken Magic Going

• If you loved the cozy, cheesy vibes here, you’ll probably also fall hard for this High-Protein Chicken Parmesan Casserole when you want that same parm comfort in an easy baked version.
• Need a “set it and forget it” night (because life)? Try Crockpot Chicken Parmesan for hands-off sauce-and-cheese goodness.
• Want another quick Italian-style dinner that feels a little fancy but behaves like a weeknight recipe? Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta—it’s dreamy, saucy, and fast.
• And if you’re craving comfort in a bowl (especially on busy or chilly nights), you’ll love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup—same cozy energy, different delicious form.

If you made this Ground Chicken Parmesan, I’d love to hear how it went! Please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐—your feedback helps other readers (and makes my chicken-loving heart very happy).

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