Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and tender: Made with lean chicken and cheese for moist meatballs.
Rich flavor: Parmesan and herbs create a delicious savory profile.
Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients and quick cooking.
Versatile: Serve with marinara, in subs, or as a party snack.
Family-friendly: Mild and tasty, perfect for all ages.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground chicken
Grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic (minced)
Fresh parsley (chopped)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Olive oil (for cooking)

Directions

Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
Form meatballs: Shape mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs.
Cook meatballs:
- Baking: Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes.
Serve: Pair with marinara sauce, pasta, or in sandwiches.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 (about 16 meatballs)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
Cheesy: Stuff meatballs with mozzarella for a gooey center.
Herbaceous: Use basil, oregano, or thyme for different flavors.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Sauce options: Toss in BBQ, teriyaki, or creamy mushroom sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes, turkey works similarly but may be leaner.

How do I keep meatballs moist?

Don’t overmix and use enough binder like egg and breadcrumbs.

Can I bake and then freeze?

Yes, freeze cooked meatballs and reheat when needed.

What size should meatballs be?

About 1 to 1.5 inches for even cooking.

Can I cook meatballs in sauce?

Yes, simmer meatballs in sauce after cooking.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Use proper binding ingredients and avoid overhandling.

Can I make these ahead?

Prepare and freeze raw or cooked meatballs in advance.

Are these meatballs kid-friendly?

Yes, mild and flavorful.

Can I add vegetables?

Finely grated zucchini or carrots work well.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep refrigerated in a sealed container.

Conclusion

Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, tender, and easy-to-make dish that fits perfectly into weeknight dinners or party platters. Packed with cheese and herbs, they offer a delicious alternative to traditional beef meatballs and pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces and sides.