Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is a quick and easy weeknight meal. The meatballs are gluten-free and cooked right in the sauce. This not only saves time but produces the most tender chicken meatballs you will ever have!
These meatballs are delicious served over pasta or with crusty bread. If you are going more low-carb, try them over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or with Sauteed Lemon Garlic Kale or Roasted Cabbage with Bacon and Balsamic.
If you like quick and easy one-pot meals using chicken be sure to check out my recipes for One-Pot Tex-Mex Chicken and this Fajita Casserole.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Easy to Make: Chicken Parmesan meatballs come together in a snap making this a perfect recipe for a busy weeknight.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Both the meatballs and the sauce can be prepared in advance. That way you can have dinner on the table in no time.
Crowd Pleasing: Chicken Parmesan is a classic favorite for many, and this skillet version takes the elements people love about the traditional dish and presents them in a fun and new way.
Versatile: Chicken parmesan meatballs can be served on their own or with various sides like pasta, rice, or a simple salad. This versatility allows you to customize meals based on personal preferences.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground chicken - Or you can use ground turkey, beef, pork, or a combination.
- Tomato passata - Or you can use one can of purèed whole tomatoes.
- Homemade marinara sauce - use your favourite store bought version to make this come together even more quickly.
- Mozzarella cheese - Feel free to skip the mozzarella all together or substitute with Monteray jack or mild cheddar.
- Fresh basil - 2 teaspoons of dried basil can be used instead.
For a complete list of ingredients see the recipe card below.
Variations
You could really spruce up this recipe by adding in some of your favorite vegetables right to the pan. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the onions after they become soft. Adding in some chopped spinach or kale can help you get in extra leafy greens with minimal effort! Try serving them over Creamy Cauliflower and Celery Root Puree for an elegant dinner with guests.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Step 1 - Mix together the meatball ingredients then shape into balls using a 1 ½ to 2-inch scoop or your hands. Keep covered in the fridge until ready to use.
Step 2 - Fry onions, garlic and spices in a deep, oven-proof frying pan.
Step 3 - Add the tomato purèe and basil. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4 - Add all the meatballs to the sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer then transfer to the oven to bake for 10 minutes.
Step 5 - Top the meatballs with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then place under the broiler for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
For detailed instructions see the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
Chilling the meatballs in the fridge helps hold them together while they are cooking.
Don't overmix the meatballs. Start by using a fork to combine then get your hands in there and mix it gently until everything is combined. This helps to keep the chicken meatballs tender.
Use a thermometer: Take the guesswork out of knowing if your meat is cooked with a handy Quick-Read Thermometer.
If you don't want to use the oven simply place a lid on top of the pan and simmer gently. A gentle simmer is important to not reduce the sauce too much.
Recipe FAQs
While the egg helps bind the meatballs, you can try omitting it or substituting with a flaxseed or chia seed "egg". The texture may be slightly different.
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more crushed red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinara sauce.
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or beef based on your preferences. Keep in mind that it will alter the flavor and texture of the meatballs.
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. This can be a time-saving option for busy schedules.
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
More One-Pot Chicken Recipes
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 454 g ground chicken (1 lb)
- ¼ large onion, finely diced, plus more for sauce
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated, plus more for topping
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped or 2 tablespoon dried
- 1 egg
For the marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ large white or yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, more or less to your taste
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, or 2 teaspoon dried
- 1 680 ml jar strained tomato passata or one can whole tomatoes ((3 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Toppings
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- In a large bowl combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, and egg. Mix gently until combined. Don't overmix.454 g ground chicken (1 lb), ¼ large onion,, 1 clove garlic,, ½ cup mozzarella cheese,, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping, ¼ cup fresh parsley,, 1 egg
- Using a scoop or a large soup spoon, shape into 1 ½ - 2-inch balls. Place the meatballs on a plate and set them aside in the refrigerator.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Sautee onion for 4-5 minutes or until soft and translucent. Add garlic, oregano and chili flakes. Stir and continue cooking and stirring for 1 minute.2 tablespoon olive oil, ½ large white or yellow onion,, 4 cloves garlic,, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes,
- Add tomato puree, salt, and basil. Stir together and bring to a gentle simmer. Continue simmering gently for 5 minutes.2 tablespoon fresh basil, 1 680 ml jar strained tomato passata or one can whole tomatoes ((3 cups), ½ teaspoon salt
- Add prepared meatballs to the sauce and place in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and carefully flip meatballs. Return to oven and bake for another 10 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through. Check this by cutting one in half or with a thermometer reading 165° F.
- Remove from oven and turn the broiler to high. Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
- Top the meatballs with 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese and finish with ¼ cup Parmesan. Place under the broiler for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese,, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Sprinkle fresh, chopped basil on top (if using), and serve.Fresh basil,
Amanda Dexter says
Another absolute winner! We had this on pasta one night and then on crusty bread the second night - can’t decide which is better. My first time using passata - it’s delish.
Nancy Brodhagen says
Have made this before. Delicious
Makes enough for the 2 of us and another meal for freezer
Tory says
Hi! Do you put the prepared meatballs into their own pan for cooking or do you add to the pan that has the sauce in it for cooking? Thanks!
Andrea says
The meatballs go into the sauce before everything goes into the oven. It’s a one-pan dish for easy clean up. Hope you enjoy it!
Lynn says
What do you do with the can of whole tomatoes?
Andrea says
Hi Lynn, One can of tomatoes can be used instead of the tomato passata. You can puree the can of tomatoes or break them up to be as chunky or smooth as you like. Hope that helps!
Elizabeth says
Excellent meal really delicious easy recipe to follow
Thank you Andrea
Andrea says
My pleasure! I'm so happy you enjoyed it and thanks for commenting!
Mary Muir says
Sounds yummy. Will be making those this weekend. Thank you Andrea
Denise says
I made this using ground beef instead of chicken. It was delicious and the whole family loved it. It was also very easy to make and pretty quick too! Thanks Andrea! So far I have loved all recipes I have made from your site!
Andrea says
I'm so happy to hear you are enjoying the recipes!
Audrey says
Could dry basil be substituted for the fresh? If so, how much of the dry?
Thanks!
Andrea says
Yes absolutely! You will need 2 tsp of dried basil.
Cindi says
So easy and taste amazing! Everyone loved it!
Marlene Marchand says
Not a good one to make during Livy program downsizing week lol. So good Andrea! Had to hold myself back from over indulging!
Andrea says
It's definitely a hard dish to leave some behind! Happy you enjoyed it and thanks so much for commenting!
JoAnn McNeill says
Thanks for another great recipe! It went together do easy and tastes great! I had it over pc riced cauli, broccoli, carrot mix. Hubby had it over pasta. I have a container in the freezer for another meal.
Andrea says
Hi JoAnn! So happy you both enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!
Jackie Tridico says
This is another recipe Andrea knocked out of the park ! I love the fact that all of Andrea’s recipes are healthy and delicious! My meals are based on Andrea’s meals and now I feel like I’m the chef !
Andrea says
I love that so much Jackie! Thanks so much for commenting!
Nicole says
Oh my gosh Andrea, this is such a tasty and easy recipe, unbelievable. Thank you, I had it with spaghetti squash and side salad. right on point. 🙂
Andrea says
Hi Nicole! So happy you enjoyed the meatballs! Thanks for commenting!
Kerry MacKay says
Delicious and easy to make
MB says
If I'm going to freeze them at what point in the recipe do I stop to freeze them?
Andrea says
Hi there!
For freezing you can just leave off the cheese and add that when you are baking them to eat. You can also freeze with the grated cheese on top but not melted in. You can bake from frozen at 350 F. The time will vary depending on the size of the dish but I would count on about an hour. Hope that helps!
MB says
Thanks! So you cook them in the oven with the sauce prior to freezing? The hour in the oven while they're still frozen is just to heat them up so they are not frozen anymore correct?
Andrea says
Yes exactly. You want them fully cooked before freezing 👌😀
Sue W says
SOOOOOO Delicious and easy! Yet another hit for me and my family!
Andrea says
Yay! So happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting!
Jennifer says
WOW! WOW!WOW! 10/10 on this one for sure! Where do I start? The meatballs were juicy and delicious but oh man, that sauce is incredible and so easy. I will not be buying jarred sauce again. My whole family of 6 enjoyed it. I had mine over zucchini zoodles to keep on track with the Livy method.
This will be a staple in our house!
Andrea says
Hi Jennifer!
I'm so happy everyone enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the comment!
Christine says
I can’t get over how delicious that was! And it was home run with my hubby! Win win! Thanks Andrea!
Andrea says
I'm so happy to hear that Christine! Thanks for commenting!
Allison Arnott says
Another 10/10! Wow. The meatballs were so delicious with the garlic and cheese right in them, and the tomato sauce is the best I've ever made. I'm going to make a big batch and 'put that sh!t on everything!' 😉
Thanks for making me look like a great cook again, Andrea.
Allison
Andrea says
Oh that makes me so happy to hear! The sauce will be delicious on so many things. I may need to make more recipes using it! I'm so happy you enjoyed the meatball recipe!
Claudia says
This was absolutely delicious!! The whole family loved it, I served it with roasted cauliflower for myself and pasta for the kids. This will be on frequent rotation! Thanks Andrea!
Andrea says
Hi Claudia!
I'm so happy you enjoyed the meatballs! Thanks so much for the comment!
Pam says
I look forward to receiving your emails featuring a new recipe as you never disappoint. This dish is so delicious. It satisfied so many good tastes. I served it with greens but the leftovers will be over spaghetti squash.
Keep em coming Andrea.
Andrea says
Thanks Pam!
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for commenting!
Deb H says
Andrea, simply wonderful ,meatballs so tender and sauce is delicious I .Used tomatoes that I had canned this fall ,it is so so good . One of My Favorites, and it’s quick and easy . I will say we all miss you , but very happy you are doing what you love ❤️
Deb
Andrea says
Thanks Deb! I am so happy you enjoyed the meatballs! Those tomatoes from the garden can't be beat!
Julie Ferguson says
Simply AH-mazing! As sad as I am that you retired from being part of the Livy Losers (although once a loser always a loser lol) I’m SO GLAD because now you have more time to create more delicious recipes like this one. This is a keeper and will certainly be made over and over. I made mine with half ground chicken, half ground beef. I know my somewhat picky husband will even eat these they are so great yummy. Keep on cooking Andrea, you’re an amazing chef!
Andrea says
Hi Julie!
You are 100% right! I will always be a Livy loser! 💪 I too am so happy to be back in the kitchen creating recipes for you all to enjoy! So happy you liked the meatballs! Thanks so much for commenting!
Bonnie says
I'm with Julie Andrea! Was sad to see you retiring from Gina BUT LOVING ALL THE NEW DISHES! When I send them to school with my grandson everyone drools! Keep cooking Andrea! On this week's menu mini Bell tacos👍👍😁
Andrea says
Thanks Bonnie! I'm in my happy place so more recipes on the horizon for sure! So happy you and your grandson are enjoying everything!
Julie Ferguson says
I have a houseful coming for dinner this weekend and would like to make this dish as one of the items I’m serving. I would rather not do all the cooking once they arrive so what would you suggest to prep this dish? Would it be best to follow the recipe up until putting the meatballs in the oven with the cheese to melt and then once it is time to serve add the cheese and heat for approx 15 min or so? Also going to try your new pepper nachos to serve as an appetizer - they look delicious!
Andrea says
Hi Julie!
Yes that's exactly right! Finish cooking the meatballs and then just warm up with the cheese then broil at the end. If they have been in the fridge it will take around 30 mins to warm up. In that case you would add the cheese later. Hope everyone enjoys them!
Nancy Brodhagen says
Delicious. Will definitely make again
Served it on spaghetti squash with some broccoli on the side.
Andrea says
Sounds like a perfect meal! So happy you enjoyed it Nancy! Thanks for commenting!
Kelly says
Absolutely delicious and super easy !!!! Will definitely be in my dinner rotations
Andrea says
Hi Kelly!
So happy you enjoyed the meatballs! Thanks for commenting!
Rose Marie says
Oh my goodness, no surprise, another TOTALLY DELISH ! Yet Again , I say …. Darn those 4 questions of Gina’s. Looking forward to leftover night !
Andrea says
So happy you enjoyed them!
Julie says
Andrea I made this recipe the other night and couldn’t comment as I was too busy licking the pan. Absolutely delicious, although not surprising you are an amazing cook. The meatballs were so tender. I actually enjoyed them better than beef. Definitely in my rotation.
Andrea says
Hi Julie!
I'm so happy to hear you loved the meatballs! I too enjoy them more than beef! Thanks so much for commenting!
Melissa says
I made this tonight and both my husband and I loved it! Ground chicken is not something I have ever purchased as it always kind of grossed me out. I have only recently started buying the ground turkey. I included all ingredients that were listed and am really loving using all the fresh herbs. In the past (before discovering your recipes), I would skip over things like that. But, it makes all the difference to the flavour. Thank you!
Andrea says
Hi Melissa!
I love this so much! Both that you decided to try the ground turkey AND that you are enjoying cooking with fresh herbs! For the small amount of effort, it really does make all the difference. In the summer I always grow my favourite ones in pots outside so I have them on hand whenever I need them. It's awesome! I'm so happy you enjoyed the meatballs!
Judy McFarlane says
Andrea. This is one of my favourite recipes that you have shared with us. Thanks, now what about the cauliflower mac and cheese?
Emma says
OMG! Another winner of a recipe.
Will certainly be making this again…and again!
Connie says
WOW, these are amazing. I served them over cauliflower rice and even hubby said they were spectacular. My beef loving husband didn’t even know I used ground chicken.
Andrea says
I love that Connie! So good he didn't even notice! Lol! So happy you both enjoyed them!
Barb Barraclough says
This was scrumptious! I must admit, I haven’t tried a recipe of yours yet that wasn’t a hit! Love ‘em all! ❤️
Andrea says
Hi Barb!
Thanks for your comment! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!!!
Susan says
Love how easy your recipes are!
Andrea says
Hi Susan! I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes!
Shuna says
Love all of your recipes. They taste amazing. And the easy steps make clean up just the way I like it! So many are now my GO TO REGULAR STAPLES for meal planning.
Really appreciate the extra photos of the ingredients and pics for the step-by-step instructions that you have added. Looking forward to trying the chicken meatballs after my next grocery shop.
Andrea says
Hi Shuna!
I'm so happy you are enjoying the recipes and the extra details. I want to make cooking as easy as possible for everyone! Thanks for your lovely comment 😀