Description
Dive into the heartwarming flavors of Chicken Parm Meatballs, a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan. This recipe transforms the traditional dish into succulent meatballs, combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, all simmered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a festive gathering, these meatballs offer a comforting taste of Italian-American cuisine with every bite. Serve them over spaghetti, nestled in a sub, or enjoy them on their own for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
Ingredients Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Ground turkey can be used in place of ground chicken for a different flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free option, replace Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses with dairy-free alternatives.
Cooking Tips:
- Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
- Letting the formed meatballs chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking can help them maintain their shape during cooking.
- If using store-bought marinara sauce, choose a brand with a flavor profile that you enjoy, as it significantly influences the dish’s taste.
Serving Suggestions:
- These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, but for a low-carb option, consider serving them with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- They’re also great as a meatball sub filling, tucked into a hoagie roll with extra sauce and melted cheese.
Storage:
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply simmer in marinara sauce on the stove until heated through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving