If you’re craving classic Italian comfort food but want something fun and easy to make, these Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are exactly what you need.
Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, baked to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich marinara sauce and melty mozzarella cheese.
Every bite delivers that familiar Chicken Parmesan flavor but in a bite-sized, deliciously cheesy package.
These meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve them over spaghetti, stuff them into a hoagie roll for a Chicken Parm sub, or simply enjoy them on their own with extra sauce for dipping.
Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you get all the crispy, cheesy goodness without the extra oil. If you love Chicken Parmesan but want an easier, handheld version, these Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a game-changer. They come together in under an hour and make any meal feel special!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Small saucepan
Ingredients Overview
- Ground Chicken: Lean, juicy, and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the meatballs.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic: Essential for that rich, classic flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Brings everything together with its tangy tomato goodness.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, melty, irresistible topping.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping & Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup additional Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.3. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough.
Step 2: Shape & Bake
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Step 3: Add the Sauce & Cheese
- Remove meatballs from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over them.2. Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.3. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.2. Enjoy over pasta, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with extra marinara for dipping.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Protein: ~30g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Crispiness: Broil the meatballs for the last 2 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Make Them Ahead: Freeze unbaked meatballs for up to 3 months—just bake straight from frozen!
- For a Juicier Meatball: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to keep them extra moist.
FAQs
Can I make these with ground turkey?
Yes! Turkey works just as well as chicken for a slightly different flavor.
Can I cook these meatballs in a skillet?
Yes! Brown them in a pan over medium heat, then simmer in marinara until cooked through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Substitutions & Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix shredded mozzarella into the meatball mixture for even more cheesiness.
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Equipment
- - Large mixing bowl
- - Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Mixing spoon
- - Small saucepan
Ingredients
- #### **For the Meatballs**
- - 1 lb ground chicken
- - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- - 1/3 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- - 1 large egg
- - 2 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 teaspoon onion powder
- - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- #### **For the Topping & Sauce**
- - 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- - 1/4 cup additional Parmesan cheese
- - 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs**
- Preheat oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a **baking sheet** with parchment paper.2. In a **large bowl**, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.3. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs will be tough.
- #### **Step 2: Shape & Bake**
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into **1-inch meatballs** and place them on the prepared baking sheet.2. Bake for **18-20 minutes**, or until they are golden and cooked through (internal temp **165°F**).
- #### **Step 3: Add the Sauce & Cheese**
- Remove meatballs from the oven and spoon **marinara sauce** over them.2. Sprinkle **mozzarella and extra Parmesan** on top.3. Return to the oven and **bake for another 5-7 minutes**, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
- Garnish with **fresh basil or parsley** and serve immediately.2. Enjoy over pasta, in a sub roll, or as an appetizer with extra marinara for dipping.
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