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To make tasty Chicken Parmesan meatballs, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 large egg, lightly beaten These ingredients give your meatballs a great texture and flavor. The ground chicken keeps them light, while the cheeses add a creamy, cheesy taste. Seasonings make a big difference in flavor. Here’s what to include: - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper These herbs and spices infuse the meatballs with a rich Italian flavor. Fresh basil adds a bright note, while garlic gives it depth. Toppings can elevate your dish. Consider these options: - Extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for topping - 2 cups marinara sauce Adding more cheese on top creates a gooey finish. Marinara sauce adds moisture and flavor, making each bite even better. You can serve with a side of extra marinara for dipping, too. First, gather all your ingredients together. This will make cooking easier. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, and cheeses. Add the beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. Next, you’ll want to shape the mixture into meatballs. Use your hands to scoop out a small amount. Roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps with cleanup later. Heat a good amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in small batches. Don’t crowd them. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Make sure they are cooked all the way through. Now, it’s time for the best part—baking! After you brown the meatballs, move them to a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Top each one with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens! Place the dish in your preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors mix well before you serve. To keep your meatballs soft, avoid overmixing the meat. Gently combine the ingredients just until mixed. This helps keep the meatballs light. Using ground chicken also adds moisture, which keeps them juicy. Fry the meatballs first to get a nice crust. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add them in small batches. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. After frying, bake them in marinara sauce to finish cooking. This adds flavor and keeps them tender. For a beautiful look, serve the meatballs on a large platter. Drizzle with extra marinara sauce and top with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color. You can also serve them alongside spaghetti for a complete meal. This makes your dish appealing and fun to eat! {{image_4}} You can boost nutrition by adding veggies to your meatball mix. Try finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini. Both add moisture and flavor without changing the taste too much. You can also use bell peppers for a slight crunch. Just remember to squeeze out excess water from the veggies. This keeps your meatballs firm and tasty. Feel free to switch up your sauce and cheese. Instead of marinara, use pesto for a fresh twist. A creamy Alfredo sauce can also make a rich meal. For cheese, mix it up with provolone or fontina. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. Experiment to find what you like best! If you need gluten-free meatballs, swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free crumbs. They bind the meatballs just as well. For a low-carb version, use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. They offer a nice crunch and keep the meatballs low in carbs. Enjoy your meal guilt-free! After you enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the meatballs in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure the marinara sauce covers the meatballs to keep them moist. If you separate the sauce, it helps prevent sogginess. If you want to keep your meatballs longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the meatballs cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date so you know when to use them. Reheating Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is simple. For the best results, thaw them overnight in the fridge if you froze them. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave. To reheat in the oven, place them in a dish with marinara sauce and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts of one minute, checking often. Enjoy them warm with extra cheese on top! Yes, you can use ground turkey. It makes a great substitute for ground chicken. Turkey has a mild flavor and works well in meatballs. Just keep in mind that turkey may be a bit leaner. You might want to add a little extra cheese or oil to keep the meatballs moist. To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. The center should not be pink, and the juices should run clear. Cooking them until golden brown on the outside also helps ensure they are cooked through. Chicken Parmesan meatballs go well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - A bed of spaghetti tossed in olive oil and herbs - Garlic bread or crusty bread for dipping - A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch These sides make your meal hearty and satisfying! This guide covered making delicious chicken parmesan meatballs. We explored key ingredients like ground chicken, cheese, and seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions to prep, cook, and bake your meatballs. I shared tips for great texture and presentation. Variations like gluten-free options added flair. Don't forget how to store leftovers for later. Try these easy recipes, and enjoy cooking!

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Savor the deliciousness of Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! These tender, flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken, Italian spices, and gooey cheese are sure to impress. Easy to make and perfect for dinner or gatherings, they're baked to perfection in marinara sauce and topped with even more cheese. Ready to wow your family or guests? Click through to explore this irresistible recipe and elevate your mealtime!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground chicken

1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 cups marinara sauce

Extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for topping

Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands or a spoon until just combined, ensuring not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to reach the correct temperature while you prepare the meatballs.

      With clean hands, scoop the mixture and form it into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

        Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in small batches (making sure not to overcrowd) and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them carefully to achieve a golden-brown crust and ensuring they are thoroughly cooked.

          After browning the meatballs, transfer them to a baking dish and pour the marinara sauce evenly over them. Top each meatball with additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkling generously for that gooey finish.

            Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the meatballs to cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs elegantly on a large platter garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Accompany with a small bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping convenience. For a complete meal experience, serve alongside a bed of al dente spaghetti tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs!