Name: Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 egg; 1/2 cup gluten free breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp pepper; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 1 ball of mozzarella, cut into small 1/2″ cubes; 1 jar of marinara sauce (approximately 24 oz); Basil leaves for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 28 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the cozy, irresistible flavors of classic Italian comfort food in a fun, bite-sized way, then this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, tender chicken meatballs with gooey mozzarella hidden inside, baked in a rich marinara sauce, and topped with even more melting cheese and fragrant basil—pure magic on your plate. It’s Chicken Parm without the fuss, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends with a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special and satisfying every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left is a large bowl with light pink ground meat. Next to it are two medium bowls, one with finely grated white cheese and the other with light golden breadcrumbs. Below these are five small bowls in a row holding an egg, a mix of salt and black pepper, dried oregano, dried parsley, and crushed red pepper. Below this row, on the left, is a medium bowl filled with white flour, next to it a bowl with white chopped pieces of mozzarella. To the right is a medium bowl with golden olive oil. In the bottom left corner is a jar of red tomato sauce with the lid off. Finally, at the bottom right is a small bowl with fresh green basil leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients is the key to making these meatballs shine. Each ingredient plays an important role, whether it’s building the perfect texture or adding that signature Italian zing.

1 lb ground chicken: A lean and tender base for your meatballs, less heavy but still juicy.

1 egg: Helps bind all the ingredients together, making every bite perfectly firm yet tender.
1/2 cup gluten free breadcrumbs: Adds just enough crumbly texture without overpowering the meat.
1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic note that’s essential for Italian flavors.

1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and keeps the meatballs well-seasoned.
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that transports your taste buds straight to Italy.
1/4 tsp onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth without adding bits of onion.

1/4 tsp pepper: A gentle kick to balance the richness of the cheese and chicken.
1/4 cup parmesan: Sharp and nutty, this cheese adds complexity and salty goodness.
Mozzarella ball, cut into 1/2” cubes: The hidden treasure inside each meatball, melting perfectly to ooze out.

1 jar of marinara sauce: A robust tomato sauce keeps the dish saucy, tangy, and comforting as it bakes.
Basil for serving: Adds a fresh, herbal pop that brightens every savory bite.

How to Make Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Meatball Mix

Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit—this high temperature ensures a beautifully browned outside and a tender inside. In a large bowl, combine your ground chicken, gluten free breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, Italian seasoning, onion powder, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything evenly but gently, being careful not to overwork the meat which could make the texture dense.

Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Meatballs

Now the fun part! Take a portion of the mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small mozzarella cube right in the center, then carefully fold and roll the meat mixture around it, enclosing the cheese completely. Aim for about 2-inch diameter meatballs—this size helps keep the cheese inside during baking. Continue until you’ve made roughly 18 to 20 meatballs. This step is what makes this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe extra special and irresistible.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake in Marinara

Grab your favorite baking dish and pour in the marinara sauce, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Nestle the meatballs in the sauce with a little space between each one, then scatter any remaining mozzarella cubes around the dish for extra cheesy pockets. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the cheese to melt into a bubbly layer of deliciousness.

How to Serve Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe

A baking tray with a sheet of brown parchment paper holds 18 round balls made from a rough-textured mixture. The balls are light beige with small bits of white and light brown visible throughout, giving a crumbly, slightly coarse look. They are evenly spaced across the tray in four rows. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a must when serving this dish. Their bright, herbal aroma and flavor cut through the richness, elevating every mouthful. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan on top just before serving is also fantastic for an extra cheesy punch.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair wonderfully with simple sides like spaghetti or zoodles to soak up the glorious marinara sauce. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad are also great choices to balance the richness and add texture contrast to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe as an appetizer on skewers for parties, or pile them high on a toasted hoagie roll with extra sauce for an epic meatball sub. They also make a stunning centerpiece for a family-style dinner where everyone helps themselves to the saucy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken parm meatballs keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but a quick reheat will bring it back to lusciousness.

Freezing

This Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag. You can store them for up to 3 months, making them a convenient and tasty meal prep option.

Reheating

For best results, reheat meatballs gently in a covered dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You can also heat them in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce’s moisture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lean substitute and will provide a similar texture and flavor, though chicken has a slightly milder taste that pairs beautifully with the cheese and herbs.

What is the best cheese to stuff inside the meatballs?

Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the meat and sauce perfectly. But you could experiment with provolone or fontina for a twist.

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?

You can definitely adapt the recipe by using dairy-free cheeses for both the parmesan and mozzarella. Look for plant-based alternatives that melt well to keep that gooey center.

Do I need to cook the meatballs before baking?

Nope! In this Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe, the meatballs go straight into the marinara sauce and bake fully in the oven. This method keeps them juicy and allows the flavors to meld as they cook.

How spicy is this recipe?

This version is mild and kid-friendly, but you can always add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture if you want a little heat.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe is a gem that combines the best of comfort food with convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal. With every juicy bite melting into gooey cheese and tangy marinara, you’ll be making these over and over again. Give it a try and watch how fast these disappear from the table—your new favorite weeknight dinner is waiting!

Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chicken Parm Meatballs Recipe