Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is here to steal your heart and satisfy your cravings. These meatballs are incredibly tender, juicy, and keto-friendly, made with flavorful ground chicken, fragrant Italian herbs, and plenty of savory parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbling perfection with rich roasted tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, they bring all the wonderful flavors of traditional chicken parmesan into a fun, bite-sized form. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish promises a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a special role, from the lean ground chicken providing moisture and tenderness, to the almond flour keeping the meatballs light and gluten-free. The blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses layers in creamy, cheesy goodness, while the Italian seasoning and garlic build rich, aromatic flavors. Roasted tomato sauce brings a tangy, savory depth that ties it all together beautifully.

• Ground chicken (2 lb/907.18 g): The lean base for juicy, tender meatballs loaded with protein.
• Almond flour (3/4 cup/84 g): Helps bind the meat and keeps the recipe low carb and gluten-free.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (2 oz/56.7 g), divided: Adds sharp, savory flavor and a delightful salty bite.
• Large egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
• Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuses the meatballs with irresistible, aromatic warmth.
• Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A flavorful herb mix that gives the meatballs a classic Italian flair.
• Kosher salt (3/4 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of gentle heat and complexity.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used to brown the meatballs and keep them moist.
• Roasted tomato sauce (1 cup/245 g): A rich, savory coating that turns these meatballs into a hearty feast.
• Shredded mozzarella (1 cup/112 g): Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Chopped parsley or basil, for serving: Adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Start by placing ground chicken, almond flour, two thirds of the parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and pepper into a large bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything until the ingredients are fully integrated into a cohesive meatball mixture. This step is key to ensuring each meatball bursts with balanced flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Shape and Chill the Meatballs

Wet your hands by dipping them into a shallow bowl of water — this prevents sticking — then roll the mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls. You should get about 30 to 36 meatballs total. Line a tray with waxed paper and space the meatballs out evenly. Refrigerate them for 30 minutes to help them firm up, which will make browning easier and help them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-proof skillet. Add half of the meatballs to the pan and brown them on all sides — this adds fantastic flavor and helps lock in moisture, but no need to cook them fully through. Remove and place on a plate, then repeat the process with the other tablespoon of oil and remaining meatballs.

Step 4: Bake with Sauce and Cheese

Arrange all the browned meatballs back into the skillet, spreading them evenly. Pour the roasted tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and irresistibly melty.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil right after baking adds a bright pop of color and a refreshing herbal lift that perfectly balances the rich, savory meatballs. It’s those little touches that elevate the dish from delicious to memorable.

Side Dishes

These chicken parmesan meatballs shine alongside a crisp green salad for a light meal or a generous scoop of creamy mashed cauliflower or zoodles for a keto-friendly feast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also perfect if you want something to soak up that luscious tomato sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the meatballs on skewers as an appetizer, or pile them on top of a fresh bed of spiralized zucchini or spaghetti for a low carb twist. You can even stuff them into toasted hoagie rolls for a fantastic meatball sub experience that’s both comforting and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken parmesan meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They keep well and taste just as delicious when reheated, making them ideal for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for several months, allowing you to enjoy convenient, ready-to-eat meals anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the meatballs in the oven at 350ºF until heated through, about 15 minutes, or microwave them on medium power, covered, checking often to avoid drying out. You can add a little extra tomato sauce or cheese before reheating to revive that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute and will yield a similar texture and flavor, though chicken keeps it a bit lighter and juicier.

Is almond flour necessary, or can I use regular breadcrumbs?

Almond flour is perfect for keeping this recipe keto-friendly, but you can swap in regular breadcrumbs if you’re not concerned about carbs — just expect a slightly different texture.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Making sure to chill the meatballs before cooking and not overmixing the meat mixture will help them hold their shape perfectly.

Can I make the meatballs entirely in the oven without browning first?

Yes, though browning adds so much flavor and helps seal in juices. If you skip this step, just bake a little longer to ensure they’re cooked through.

Are these meatballs spicy?

Not at all! This Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe focuses on savory, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors without heat, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of a kick.

Final Thoughts

There is something irresistibly comforting about the combination of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, and this Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe hits all those notes in such a fun, approachable way. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your home. Give them a try and watch them disappear from the plate with smiles all around!

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