Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, divided
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 3 tablespoons divided
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For Cooking and Serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2–2 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the meatballs later.
- Prepare the Coating: In a medium dish, combine 3 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Set this aside for coating the meatballs.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, add ground chicken, lightly beaten egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, the remaining panko breadcrumbs, and the remaining parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly with clean hands or a fork until evenly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 14 to 16 in total. If the mixture is sticky, dampen your hands slightly to make shaping easier.
- Coat Meatballs: Roll each meatball in the panko and parmesan coating mixture prepared earlier until fully covered. Set aside on a plate or tray.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then carefully brown the meatballs on all sides for about 1 minute per side. Do this in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan, ensuring even browning.
- Assemble for Baking: After all meatballs are browned, place them back into the skillet. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauced meatballs. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh torn basil leaves, and serve the meatballs hot over grilled bread or pasta.
Notes
- Wet your hands slightly if the meat mixture feels too sticky while shaping the meatballs.
- Browning the meatballs before baking adds flavor and helps keep them juicy.
- You can use a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan for baking the meatballs.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian