Easy Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Make these easy chicken parmesan meatballs in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, they’re flavorful, cheesy, and freezer-friendly for meal prep.
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Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated. These chicken parmesan meatballs are juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect solution for busy evenings. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, this dish delivers all the comforting flavors of classic chicken parmesan but in bite-sized meatballs. Plus, you can easily double the recipe and freeze half for an effortless meal later. Win win!
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Quick & Easy: Made in just 45 minutes from start to finish.
- One-Skillet Meal: Cook everything in one large skillet for easy cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy, savory flavors.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for easy meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these chicken parm meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil – This is used to brown the meatballs and add flavor.
- Ground Chicken – A lean and tender protein base.
- Italian-style Bread Crumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds rich, nutty flavor.
- Yellow Onion – Finely grated for extra moisture and taste.
- Egg – Helps keep the meatballs from falling apart.
- Chopped Parsley – Adds freshness and color.
- Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes are the perfect mix of seasonings for depth and spice.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
- Pasta Sauce – Use your favorite marinara sauce for a rich, flavorful base.
- Mozzarella Cheese – For that classic, melty cheese topping.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, grated onion, egg, parsley, and all the dried seasonings. Add the ground chicken and gently mix until well combined.
Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Use a tablespoon to scoop the meat mixture and roll it into small meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until browned. You may need to work in batches.
Simmer in Sauce and Bake
Pour the tomato sauce into the large skillet, covering the chicken meatballs evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and transfer the skillet to a 350°F oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Garnish and Serve
Top with extra parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy hot with your favorite side dishes!
More Easy Dinners You’ll Love
Making Ahead & Freezing Instructions
If you love meal prepping, these chicken parmesan meatballs are a great freezer-friendly option.
- To freeze cooked meatballs: Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Place frozen meatballs in an oven-safe baking dish, cover with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Looking for more freezer meals? You’ll love this, then!
Quick Side Dishes for Chicken Parm Meatballs
Pair these cheesy meatballs with any of these quick and easy side dishes:
Classic Pairings
- Garlic Bread – Toasted and buttery for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Pasta – Serve over spaghetti or penne with extra marinara sauce.
Lighter Options
- Roasted Vegetables – Try zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Side Salad – A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the dish.
Low-Carb Alternatives
- Zucchini Noodles – A fresh, healthy way to enjoy this dish.
- Mashed Cauliflower – A creamy, lower-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken parm meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this recipe.
Do I need to bake the meatballs?
Baking ensures the chicken meatballs are fully cooked and extra tender. However, you can also let them simmer in the sauce on the stovetop until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
What’s the best cheese for chicken parmesan meatballs?
Mozzarella cheese is ideal for melting, while parmesan cheese adds sharpness.
These chicken parmesan meatballs are a quick and delicious way to bring a restaurant-quality meal to your dinner table. They’re perfect for busy nights, meal prep, and even freezer meals. Whip up a batch tonight, and enjoy a cheesy, satisfying dish your whole family will love!
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs make for the perfect weeknight meal, this dish can be made in about 45 minutes and can easily be doubled to freeze for later or take for lunch the next day!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
- ⅓ cup Italian style Bread Crumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons Yellow Onion, grated
- 1 Egg
- 1 tablespoon freshly Chopped Parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 24 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, grated
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Fresh, chopped Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, onion, egg, parsley, dried spices, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Add in the ground chicken and gently mix.
- Measure a tablespoon amount of the meatball mixture and roll it into a ball. Place on a sheet pan or plate until you’ve used all the meatball mixture.
- Heat oil in a large cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, cook them for 4-5 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for 2 minutes. We’re not cooking them thoroughly, just browning the outside. Work in batches if necessary.
- Once all the meatballs have been browned, add the marinara sauce to the skillet and spread evenly around the meatballs. Top with freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Place leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to store this recipe.
Place the cooked and cooled meatballs into a gallon-size freezer bag to freeze this recipe. Store fire for up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat the meatballs, add the frozen meatballs to an oven-safe skillet. Add the marinara sauce and evenly spread around the meatballs—Top with freshly grated mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 514Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 199mgSodium: 1397mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 4gSugar: 11gProtein: 40g
