Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Cheesy meatballs in marinara sauce

If you love Chicken Parmesan but don’t want the mess of frying, this Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe is for you. It has all the same cheesy, saucy flavor but comes together in one pan with less effort. The meatballs bake in the oven until golden, then get topped with marinara and mozzarella. Simple, tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights.

At HomeandFiesta, we love recipes that are easy to make and use ingredients you already have. This one fits right in. You can serve these meatballs over pasta, on a sub roll, or with a side of salad. It’s comfort food made simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these baked chicken parmesan meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil or spray for greasing

Everything here is simple. Ground chicken makes them lean and tender. Parmesan gives a salty flavor that blends perfectly with the sauce. The breadcrumbs and egg hold everything together. And garlic and herbs bring out the Italian taste.

You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own. A good sauce makes a big difference, so choose one that’s rich and slightly sweet.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Mix the ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until everything blends evenly. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs can turn dense.

Step 2: Shape the meatballs.
Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls, about 1 ½ inches wide. Try to make them the same size so they bake evenly.

Step 3: Bake the meatballs.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil. Place the meatballs on the sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the centers are cooked through.

Step 4: Add sauce and cheese.
Take the meatballs out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over them, then sprinkle mozzarella on top. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

That’s it. You’ve got tender, cheesy meatballs ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

A few simple tricks make these turn out just right every time:

  • Use a scoop or spoon to make evenly sized meatballs.
  • Don’t overmix the meat. Mix only until combined.
  • Line your pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
  • Check doneness by cutting one open the center should be white, not pink.

You can also try fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra flavor. If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.

Cheesy meatballs in marinara sauce
Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs served with marinara sauce.

Nutrition Benefits

These baked chicken parmesan meatballs are a lighter twist on the classic. Baking instead of frying cuts down on extra oil. Ground chicken is leaner than beef or pork, but it still gives you plenty of protein.

Here’s what you get from this dish:

  • High protein: Great for keeping you full and supporting muscle health.
  • Lower fat: Baking means less oil compared to frying.
  • Calcium boost: Thanks to Parmesan and mozzarella.
  • Simple ingredients: No additives or fillers just real food.

Pair these meatballs with whole grain pasta or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. You can even make a grain bowl with rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for extra fiber.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

These meatballs go with almost anything. Here are a few ways to serve them:

  • Over spaghetti or pasta: Classic and always good. Add extra sauce and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
  • In a sandwich: Tuck a few into a toasted roll, add sauce, and melt cheese over them for a Chicken Parm sub.
  • With a salad: Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
  • As an appetizer: Use small skewers or toothpicks for parties.

If you want variety, try different sauces. Alfredo, pesto, or spicy arrabbiata all work well.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These meatballs store well, which makes them great for meal prep.

  • To refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze: Freeze them with or without sauce for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot. Or microwave them for 1–2 minutes, adding a bit of sauce to keep them moist.

If you meal prep, bake a double batch. Freeze half and you’ll have dinner ready for another weeknight.

FAQs About Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Can I make these with turkey?
Yes. Ground turkey works just like chicken. The texture will be a little firmer, but the taste stays mild.

Can I use fresh breadcrumbs?
Yes, but use a little more since fresh crumbs are less dense than dry ones.

Can I air fry them?
Yes. Cook at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes. Shake halfway through for even browning.

Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Shape the meatballs, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but shredded mozzarella works fine if that’s what you have.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is simple and reliable. You get all the flavor of Chicken Parmesan without frying or extra dishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.

  • It uses everyday ingredients.
  • The cleanup is easy.
  • The texture is tender and juicy.
  • It’s a lighter version of a comfort favorite.

You can make a full meal by serving it with pasta, rice, or garlic bread. Kids love the cheesy topping, and adults appreciate the homemade flavor.

At HomeandFiesta, we like meals that make cooking feel easy not stressful. This one fits that perfectly.

Conclusion: Try This Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe Tonight

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe brings all the flavor of the original Chicken Parm in a quicker, cleaner way. It’s baked, not fried, but still rich and comforting. The cheese melts over a warm layer of sauce, and the meatballs stay juicy.

If you’re short on time or want a no fuss dinner, this one’s worth saving. Serve it with pasta, salad, or crusty bread, and dinner’s done.

Try it tonight. It might become one of your go to recipes.

Looking for more ideas?
Check out our Creamy Spinach Mushroom Orzo with Chicken or Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas on HomeandFiesta for more easy, flavorful meals.

Cheesy meatballs in marinara sauce

Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite! Juicy chicken meatballs are baked until tender, coated in marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Serve them over pasta, on subs, or as a party appetizer an easy, comforting meal that’s bursting with cheesy flavor!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 360 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Olive oil or spray for greasing

Instructions  

Step 1: Mix the ingredients.

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a spoon to mix until everything blends evenly. Don’t overmix, or the meatballs can turn dense.

Step 2: Shape the meatballs.

  • Scoop out small portions and roll them into balls, about 1 ½ inches wide. Try to make them the same size so they bake evenly.

Step 3: Bake the meatballs.

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil. Place the meatballs on the sheet, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the tops are golden and the centers are cooked through.

Step 4: Add sauce and cheese.

  • Take the meatballs out of the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over them, then sprinkle mozzarella on top. Return the tray to the oven and bake for 5 more minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Ground Chicken: Use lean ground chicken for a lighter texture. Ground turkey can also be used as a substitute.
  • Breadcrumbs: Italian-style breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but plain or panko work well too.
  • Cheese: A mix of Parmesan and mozzarella creates that perfect melty and cheesy bite.
  • Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for rich flavor. Warm it before topping the meatballs.
  • Baking Tip: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve over spaghetti, in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or alongside roasted veggies.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 360 kcal  | 
Carbohydrates: 12 g  | 
Fiber: 1 g  | 
Sugars: 3 g  | 
Protein: 35 g  | 
Fat: 18 g  | 
Saturated Fat: 7 g  | 
Cholesterol: 105 mg  | 
Sodium: 620 mg  | 
Potassium: 540 mg  | 
Calcium: 180 mg  | 
Iron: 1.8 mg
Keyword Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

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