chicken parmesan meatballs
If you’re craving a tasty, cheesy dish that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! I absolutely love making Chicken Parmesan Meatballs because they’re easy to whip up and packed with flavor. Whether you serve them over pasta or enjoy them on their own, these meatballs will have everyone asking for seconds! Are you ready to get cooking?
Simple Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
To create these delightful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, you’ll need a handful of accessible ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what I recommend gathering for this recipe:
- 1 large egg, beaten – This will help bind everything together.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese – A key player that adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- 1 ¾ cups Italian-style panko bread crumbs, divided – These will give your meatballs a splendid crunch.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For a burst of savory aroma.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that brings an authentic touch.
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – For just a hint of heat (adjust to your taste).
- ½ teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Adds a touch of spice.
- 1 ½ pounds ground chicken – The star of the show, making these meatballs light and juicy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided – For browning the meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided – for that rich, buttery flavor when cooking.
- 1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce – A good quality sauce can elevate your dish instantly.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For that melty, cheesy goodness on top.
- 2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley (optional) – For a touch of color and freshness.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. I love how each element contributes to the overall taste, making every bite a delicious experience.
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Let’s get started with making those amazing Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Mix It up: In a large bowl, stir together the beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup of panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the Chicken: Put on some food-grade disposable gloves (they make cleanup easier!). Add the ground chicken to the bowl and mix everything together using your hands until it’s evenly combined.
- form the Meatballs: Pour the remaining 1 cup of panko into a plate. Using a 1-1/2-inch scoop, form about 24 meatballs.Gently roll each meatball in the panko until lightly coated,then place them on a plate.
- Preheat Your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your meatballs are ready to bake.
- Brown the Meatballs: In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add half of the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Once they’re golden, transfer them to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
- Repeat the Browning: Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet, then repeat the browning process with the remaining meatballs.
- Add the Sauce: Once all the meatballs are browned,pour in the marinara sauce. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce; they don’t need to be submerged.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Cheese It Up: Take the skillet out and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the meatballs. Return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Optional—sprinkle with freshly snipped parsley before serving. These meatballs are perfect over pasta or served with garlic bread.
Now, get ready to savor the deliciousness! Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chicken Parmesan Meatballs.
Serving and Storage Tips for Flavorful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Once you’ve whipped up your Chicken Parmesan meatballs, it’s time to think about serving and storing them. This dish is not only delicious, but it’s also quite versatile when it comes to how you enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta Pairing: Serve these meatballs over a generous helping of spaghetti or fettuccine. The marinara sauce complements the pasta perfectly.
- Alternative Options: For a lighter meal, place them on a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles) or even a fresh salad.This adds a refreshing crunch!
- Dipping Sauce: Consider offering a side of garlic bread or a simple homemade basil pesto for an extra kick. If you prefer store-bought, brands like Classico or Prego have some excellent marinara options that can elevate your meal.
- Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly snipped parsley or grated parmesan on top before serving for that final touch of flavor and color.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat them in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can also freeze these meatballs! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy,simply bake from frozen,adding a little extra time to the cooking process.
With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your chicken meatballs fresh or make them ahead of time for a speedy weeknight meal!
Recipe Notes and Troubleshooting for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
as you prepare your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, here are some helpful notes and troubleshooting tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Recipe Notes:
- Meat Options: While this recipe uses ground chicken, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile. Each offers a unique taste while still delivering that classic meatball experience.
- Cheese Variations: You can mix and match cheeses! Instead of just parmesan and mozzarella, try using provolone or asiago for added depth.
- Spices: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes depending on your spice tolerance. You can omit them entirely for a milder meatball.
troubleshooting tips:
- Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs turn out too dry, try adding a splash of milk or an extra egg to the mixture next time for added moisture.
- Meatballs Falling Apart: If your meatballs crumble during cooking, it’s often due to not enough binding agents. Ensure you’re using the right amount of egg and cheese.
- Uneven Cooking: To prevent uneven cooking, try to make sure all your meatballs are similar in size when you form them. Using a scoop can help maintain consistency.
Feel free to refer back to these notes if you encounter any hiccups along the way. Enjoy crafting your mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan Meatballs!