Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Hey there, food lovers! If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal bursting with flavor and a breeze, these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are about to become your go-to. 

Picture all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic Chicken Parmesan, but rolled into fun, bite-sized meatballs.

I first tossed these together on a hectic weeknight, and now they’re a regular in my kitchen—perfect for family dinners, game-day snacks, or meal prep for the next day.

Next, I served them for our Super Bowl watch party, and they were a hit. So, I knew I had something special with these meatballs.

Let’s get cooking with this great recipe that makes an easy dinner or appetizer and delivers the ultimate comfort food! It’s bound to become one of your favorite Meatball Recipes, Appetizer Recipes, and Italian Recipes.

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• How This Recipe Stands Out
• Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
• Equipment Notes
• How To Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Variations
• What To Serve with Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?
• Use Chicken Parmesan Meatballs in Other Recipes
• How To Store Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Other Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
• Tips for Success
• Recipe
• Reviews

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken parm meatballs are a total game-changer. They come together in 10-15 minutes of prep and pack a serious flavor punch. The whole family—yep, even your most-picky eater—will be begging for more. 

They’re endlessly versatile; Serve them over pasta, stuff them into a chicken parm sub, or pair them with crusty bread and green beans for a complete meal. 

Got leftover meatballs? Pop them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and you have quick meals ready to roll. And that melty cheese topping? It’s pure comfort food heaven.

How This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this chicken meatball recipe apart is how it nails the classic chicken parm taste in a fresh, poppable package. Unlike heavier meatball recipes, these use ground chicken sausage for a lighter, juicier, and satisfying bite. 

The panko mixture keeps them tender, not dense, and baking on a lined baking sheet means no greasy frying cleanup. It’s the easiest way to enjoy the flavors of chicken parmesan without breading cutlets or hovering over a stove. 

Plus, it’s a fun spin on traditional meatballs—great for the first time you want to mix things up or wow a game-day crowd.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

 Here’s everything you need to bring these delicious recipes to life, with tips and swaps to make it your own. Most are grocery store staples, so you’re probably good to go!

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese – For that melty cheese magic. I used fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture. However, you could use shredded mozzarella, provolone, or an Italian blend to shake things up.
• 1 lb ground chicken sausage – This keeps things light and lean. Ground Chicken Breast or Ground turkey are solid swaps if that’s what you’ve got.
• 1 large egg – Holds the meatball mixture together. Egg-free? Try a flax egg.
• ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs – Adds texture and flavor. Use a panko mixture for extra crunch, plain breadcrumbs, or almond flour for low-carb.
• ½ cup parmesan cheese – The heart of chicken parmesan meatballs. Pecorino Romano works if you’re out. Grating the parmesan yourself is best, but pre-grated parmesan works fine.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Brings that Italian flair. No blend? Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – This adds savory depth—sub in fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced) for a bolder kick.
• ½ tsp onion powder – Rounds out flavors. Skip it, or use finely diced onion for more punch.
• ½ tsp black pepper – Just enough spice. Adjust to taste.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional) – For a hint of heat. Skip for kid-friendly meals.
• 2 tbsp olive oil – For brushing or sautéing. Swap with avocado or vegetable oil.
• 1 cup marinara sauce – That classic tomato sauce vibe. Use store-bought or my homemade Instant Pot Marinara Sauce.

Equipment Notes

• Large mixing bowl – For the chicken mixture.
• Prepared baking sheet with parchment paper – Easy cleanup.
• Large skillet (optional) – For browning meatballs.
• Baking dish – For saucing and cheese-melting.
• Small bowl – For breadcrumbs or egg wash if needed

How To Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 350°F. and set the rack to the middle position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken sausage, a large egg, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Combine gently, but don’t over-mix.

Roll the chicken mixture into 1″ meatballs and place them onto a prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 16-18 minutes until lightly browned.

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Spoon marinara sauce over the top of the meatballs, then add fresh mozzarella or sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Spoon about one tablespoon of warm marinara sauce over each meatball. Place a small, thin slice of fresh mozzarella cheese or a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top of each meatball.

Return to oven and cook for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some new ways to tweak this meatballs recipe:

• Slow Cooker Style: Try the method from Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs for a hands-off approach. Just swap ground chicken for beef and keep the parmesan vibes.
• Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture for a bold flavor.
• Low-Carb: Swap Italian breadcrumbs for almond flour and serve with zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Mini Meatballs: Make smaller balls for appetizers—perfect for game day with toothpicks and extra marinara sauce for dipping.

What To Serve with Chicken Parmesan Meatballs?

These meatballs are super versatile, so you’ve got great options to round out the meal:

• Sides: Pair with green beans, a crisp Caesar salad or Chopped Vegetable Salad, or roasted veggies like Roasted Cauliflower or Roasted Asparagus for a balanced plate.
• Italian Breadsticks: Crunchy, golden, and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce. Check out my Italian Breadsticks recipe for a fun side.
• Pesto Garlic Bread: Slather on some herby goodness with my Pesto Garlic Bread. It’s a match made in heaven with that melty cheese.
• Spaghetti and Marinara: Go classic with a plate of spaghetti tossed in my Instant Pot Marinara Sauce. It’s quick and ties everything together.

Use Chicken Parmesan Meatballs in Other Recipes

These chicken parm meatballs aren’t just a one-hit wonder. Here’s how to repurpose them for more delicious recipes:

• Meatball Subs: Stuff them into hoagie rolls with extra marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese for a hearty chicken parm sub.
• Meatball Pizza: Slice them up as a topping for homemade pizza. Check out Flavor Mosaic’s pizza recipes for inspiration.
• Meatball Casserole: Layer with pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, then bake until bubbly. It’s comfort food squared.
• Skewers: Thread small meatballs onto skewers with veggies for a fun appetizer or lunchbox treat.

How To Store Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

In the Fridge

Got leftover meatballs? Let them cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of marinara sauce or in a large skillet over medium heat to keep them juicy.

In the Freezer

For longer storage, place the cooled meatballs in a freezer bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Pro tip: Freeze in a single layer first to avoid sticking, then transfer to a bag. Reheat frozen meatballs in the oven at 350°F with tomato sauce for 20-25 minutes, or thaw them overnight in the fridge first.

Other Meatball Recipes You’ll Love

Can’t get enough meatballs? Here are more meatball recipes to try:

• Turkey and Stuffing Meatballs – A cozy, Thanksgiving-inspired twist.
• Porcupine Meatballs – Fun, rice-filled meatballs in a tangy sauce.
• Meatballs with Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce – Sweet, savory, and perfect for parties.
• Slow Cooker Asian Sesame Meatballs – A flavorful, umami-packed option.
• Slow Cooker Italian Meatballs – Classic and hands-off.
• Meatball Pizza – Meatball Pizza has a crisp crust around the edges, savory Marinara Sauce or pizza sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese and tasty meatballs!
• Baked Italian Meatballs – Ground beef and Italian sausage with Italian herbs and parmesan cheese.
• Meatball Biscuit Sliders – A perfect mini sized meatball sandwich on a biscuit!
• Spaghetti and Meatball Sliders – These sliders remind me of mini meatball subs with spaghetti.

Tips for Success

• Cheese is key: The cup of parmesan in the meatball form and mozzarella cheese on top scream chicken parm meatballs.
• Make ahead: Shape the meatballs and chill in an airtight container for up to a day or freeze for 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm leftover meatballs in marinara sauce on the stove or in the microwave—they’re even tastier the next day!
• Serving ideas: Try over zucchini noodles, with green beans, or as sliders for a game-day hit.

These chicken parmesan meatballs are simple recipes that feel like a warm hug on a plate.

Give them a shot and let me know how it goes—maybe drop a star rating and comment if you’re feeling generous!

Do you have tweaks or great options for this meatballs recipe? I’m all ears. Happy cooking!

For more appetizer ideas, check out these recipes.

• Meatball Bites by Cravings of a Lunatic
• Bourbon Pulled Pork Sliders by Cooking in Stilettos
• Sun-dried Tomato Dip by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Feta-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Shrimp by Food Lust People Love
• Cheddar Cayenne Crackers by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
• Manchego and Roasted Pepper Stuffed Mushrooms by The Little Ferraro Kitchen
• Restaurant-Style Chipotle Salsa by Home Cooking Memories
• Ham & Cheese Mini Cracker Sandwiches by Mom’s Test Kitchen