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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Mozzarella

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Mozzarella

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Mozzarella offer a comforting Italian-inspired dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes. Ground chicken meatballs mixed with Parmesan cheese and herbs are browned, baked with rich marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella, making for a versatile meal perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian herbs (fresh basil and oregano preferred)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Toppings & Cooking

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or sliced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian herbs, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands to ensure even distribution of all ingredients.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter for uniform cooking and perfect bite-sized portions.
  3. Browns the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides to lock in moisture and develop a caramelized, hearty flavor.
  4. Bake with Sauce and Cheese: Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce generously over them and top each meatball with a small cube or slice of mozzarella cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes once removed from the oven to retain juiciness, then serve alone or paired with pasta, bread, or salad to enjoy the delicious sauce and cheesy finish.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
  • Use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon for uniformly sized meatballs for even cooking.
  • Take your time browning the meatballs thoroughly to build flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Fresh basil and oregano provide better flavor than dried herbs.
  • Buffalo mozzarella can be used for a creamier melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Meatballs, Mozzarella, Italian, Easy Dinner, Gluten-Free, Comfort Food