Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Name: Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Marinara sauce; Cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta; Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Highlighted under: Simple Kitchen

I absolutely love making Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs because they’re a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Each meatball is juicy, packed with savory spices, and has a cheesy, crunchy bite that leaves me craving more. This dish transforms a simple weeknight meal into something special with minimal effort. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are a favorite in my house and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser during gatherings. Plus, they’re healthier than traditional beef meatballs, making them a guilt-free indulgence.

Created by

Gemma Hollis

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:40:45.417Z

When I first experimented with these Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, I was amazed at how tender and flavorful they turned out. Using ground chicken made them lighter, while the addition of Parmesan cheese added a rich, savory depth that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce. I found that adding breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture, giving a nice texture that holds up well during cooking.

One specific tip I discovered while making these is to mix the ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to dense meatballs, while a gentle hand ensures they remain soft and airy. Since then, these meatballs have become a staple in my weekly rotation, delighting my family every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy and flavorful meatballs made with ground chicken
A delightful combination of Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs
Perfectly pair with pasta or can be enjoyed as a tasty appetizer

Mastering the Meatball

The key to making perfect meatballs lies in not overmixing the ingredients. This is crucial when using ground chicken, as it can easily become dense if you handle it too much. Mix until everything is just combined, and you can still see some of the breadcrumbs intact. This gentle mixing helps maintain a light texture, resulting in a juicy meatball that holds together well during baking.

When forming your meatballs, it's helpful to wet your hands slightly. This prevents the chicken mixture from sticking to your fingers. Aim for uniformity in size—about 1.5 inches in diameter is ideal. This ensures they cook evenly. As a tip, if you find your mixture is too wet to form into balls, you can add extra breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time until you achieve the right consistency.

Flavor Boosters and Variations

While this recipe calls for basic Italian herbs, feel free to customize it to suit your palate. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can impart a lovely warmth, while a spoonful of pesto can elevate the flavor profile. For a cheesier bite, consider mixing in some shredded mozzarella with the ground chicken, enhancing the richness without added fuss in the cooking process.

If you're looking for a lower-carb option, you can swap out the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. This will keep the meatballs moist and flavorful while significantly reducing carbohydrates. Just remember to adjust salt levels, as these alternatives can sometimes lean towards saltier profiles.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make the perfect Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

Meatball Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

Marinara sauce
Cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta
Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you're set to start making these delicious meatballs!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs:

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Form Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

Serve hot with marinara sauce over cooked pasta, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your homemade Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a skillet for a few minutes before baking. This adds a beautiful crust and enhances the overall taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs shine when paired with marinara sauce, but they can also be delightful in a variety of dishes. Serve them atop a creamy risotto or toss them with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a light, gluten-free option. They also make an excellent appetizer; you can skewer them with toothpicks for easy serving at gatherings.

For extra flavor when serving, drizzle some olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs over the dish. A dash of balsamic glaze can add a tangy sweetness that complements the savory meatballs beautifully. Don’t forget to serve a side of garlic bread for an all-around delicious meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftover meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze really well. Freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container; this way, you can grab just what you need later. When properly stored, they can last up to three months in the freezer.

To reheat, simply place frozen meatballs in a baking dish with a bit of marinara sauce and cover with foil. Heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a plate with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Just cover the plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe.

→ How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

You can replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use gluten-free oats finely ground.

→ Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them before cooking.

→ What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or even in a meatball sub!