Description
These Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then broiled to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground chicken
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup) – optional
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 cup (85 grams) grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups (180 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, half of the grated parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Portion the mixture into meatballs and place them directly into simmering marinara sauce on the stovetop. Cover the pan and let them simmer gently for about 15 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Broil the Meatballs: Once cooked through, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Place the pan under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned. Remove from the oven.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot, ideally with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Using gluten-free breadcrumbs makes this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Finely dicing the onion ensures it cooks thoroughly within the meatballs.
- Simmer the meatballs gently to prevent them from falling apart.
- Broiling at the end adds a delicious cheesy crust but watch closely to avoid burning.
- These meatballs freeze well before cooking – simply thaw and cook as directed.
