If you love classic Chicken Parmesan, but want a simpler, bite-sized version, these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are the perfect solution! They’re juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic weeknight dinner, appetizer, or meal prep option.
Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are easy to make and serve—toss them over pasta, dip them in marinara, or enjoy them in a sub sandwich. Ready in just 30 minutes, they bring all the flavors of Chicken Parm into an easy-to-make meatball dish!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
✅ Baked, Not Fried – A lighter version of the classic dish.
✅ Super Juicy & Flavorful – Parmesan, mozzarella, and herbs make them irresistible.
✅ Versatile Serving Options – Serve with pasta, on a sandwich, or as an appetizer.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Easy to freeze and reheat for later meals.
What Are Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs combine all the flavors of traditional Chicken Parmesan—crispy, cheesy, and full of Italian spices—in a bite-sized form.
Instead of breaded chicken cutlets, these meatballs are made with ground chicken, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Italian seasonings, then baked until golden. They’re perfect for serving with marinara sauce, pasta, or as a tasty party appetizer!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These meatballs are simple to make with just a few key ingredients:
For the Meatballs
- Ground chicken – Lean, high-protein, and flavorful.
- Egg – Helps bind everything together.
- Panko bread crumbs – Gives the meatballs a light, crispy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds rich, cheesy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – Makes the meatballs extra melty and cheesy.
- Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic adds bold Italian flavor.
- Dried oregano & dried basil – Essential Italian seasonings.
- Salt & black pepper – To enhance the flavors.
For Serving
- Marinara sauce – A classic pairing for Chicken Parmesan!
- Cooked pasta – Spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
- Extra Parmesan cheese – Because more cheese is always better!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
These baked meatballs come together in just a few simple steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with avocado oil or canola oil.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground chicken
- Egg
- Panko bread crumbs
- Grated Parmesan & shredded mozzarella
- Minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper
- Mix everything together using a fork or your hands until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
- Form the mixture into 1-inch round meatballs.
- Place them on the greased baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- 💡 For even portioning, use a small cookie scoop, then roll the meatballs into shape.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve the meatballs over cooked pasta with marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish.
- Or, serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce!
Ways to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
These meatballs are super versatile—here are a few delicious ways to enjoy them:
🍝 Over Pasta – Serve with spaghetti or penne and marinara sauce.
🥪 In a Meatball Sub – Load into a toasted hoagie roll with melted mozzarella.
🧀 As an Appetizer – Serve on a platter with toothpicks and marinara dipping sauce.
🥗 Over a Salad – Pair with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic dressing.
🍕 On Pizza – Slice and add to a homemade meatball pizza!
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
🔥 Don’t Overmix the Meat – Overmixing can make the meatballs tough—mix just until combined.
🧀 Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-grated cheese can be drier; fresh Parmesan melts better!
🥄 Keep the Meatballs Uniform – Use a cookie scoop for even sizing.
🍽 Serve with Fresh Basil – Adds a pop of freshness!
🧊 Make Ahead & Freeze – These meatballs are great for meal prep (see below).
Storage & Freezing Instructions
🥡 Refrigerate: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freeze: Let baked meatballs cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheat: Warm them on the stove in marinara sauce, or microwave for a quick meal.
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze meatballs before baking for easy future meals—just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?
A: You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free panko or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
Q: Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking them?
A: Absolutely! Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet and cook the meatballs over medium heat, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delicious, easy, and versatile twist on a classic Italian favorite. Whether served over pasta, in a meatball sub, or as a party appetizer, they’re always a crowd-pleaser.
With juicy, cheesy, and crispy bites in every bite, this is a must-try recipe for any Italian food lover. Try it tonight and enjoy a simple yet flavorful homemade meal that everyone will love!
Short Version
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients
- Avocado oil or canola oil for greasing the baking sheet
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta as desired
- Marinara sauce as desired
- Parmesan cheese as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with a high-temperature cooking oil, such as avocado or canola oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch round meatballs and place them on the greased baking sheet. (For quick and even portioning, use a small cookie scoop, then roll the meatballs into shape with your hands.)
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve over cooked pasta with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese, or enjoy as desired.
Notes
To Freeze: Store baked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
