As a lover of Italian cuisine, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Chicken Parmesan Meatballs. This dish combines the flavors of chicken parmesan with the convenience of meatballs, making it perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Why You’ll Love It
- Easy to Make: These meatballs are simple to prepare and require minimal ingredients.
- Versatile: Enjoy them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a snack.
- Customizable: You can adjust the spices and cheese to suit your taste.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Serving Size: 6-8 people
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil for baking
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until just combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Use a medium scoop to form the mixture into balls. You should end up with about 18-20 meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish, cover with marinara sauce, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Finish Baking: Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta Night: Serve with spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a classic Italian meal.
- Sub Sandwiches: Place the meatballs in a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for a delicious sandwich.
- Salad Topping: Add them to a green salad for a protein-packed meal.
Tips for Customization
- Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a dietary adjustment.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in some ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (assuming 6 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.
Q: How do I ensure the meatballs are cooked through?
A: Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or mozzarella blends.Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Meatballs!
