Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Name: Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Olive oil for drizzling; Spaghetti or your favorite pasta sauce; Extra Parmesan for topping; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Plates

I absolutely love making these Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! They are incredibly flavorful, thanks to a blend of spices and the rich taste of Parmesan cheese. I find joy in crafting each meatball, taking great care to ensure they are cooked perfectly juicy and tender. This recipe is a favorite in my home, as it never fails to impress family and friends. Whether served on spaghetti or as a delicious appetizer, these meatballs elevate any meal to new heights with their savory goodness.

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:33:36.749Z

When I first tried making Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, I was surprised by how well they turned out! The combination of ground chicken and Parmesan created a rich flavor profile that was both savory and satisfying. To ensure the meatballs remain moist, I incorporated breadcrumbs soaked in milk, which made them incredibly tender.

Since then, I've experimented with different herbs and spices, and I've found that fresh basil adds a refreshing touch. Making them in the oven instead of frying has also made cleanup easier and kept them lighter. Each time I prepare them, I adapt slightly, making it a fun and creative process!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory flavor from perfectly seasoned ground chicken
Juicy and tender texture with every bite
Quick to prepare, making it great for weeknight dinners

The Importance of Seasoning

Seasoning is crucial in this recipe, especially since ground chicken can be quite mild in flavor. The combination of garlic, oregano, and basil adds a depth that complements the richness of the Parmesan cheese beautifully. Make sure to taste the mixture before forming the meatballs; adding a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the overall flavor. If you're a fan of heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

The breadcrumbs play a dual role here. They not only help bind the ingredients together but also absorb moisture, resulting in a succulent meatball. Using fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk adds a tender texture while preventing the meatballs from drying out. If you don't have fresh breadcrumbs, you can use store-bought, just make sure to reduce the quantity slightly to avoid a dense mixture.

Meatball Cooking Technique

For perfectly cooked meatballs, pay attention to the baking process. Drizzling olive oil before baking helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior, which creates a delightful contrast with the moist interior. Monitor the meatballs closely; they should take about 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) but use a meat thermometer to check they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

If you prefer to brown your meatballs further, consider broiling them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking process. Just be sure to watch them carefully, as they can easily go from perfectly browned to burnt. I’ve found broiling also enhances the flavor, giving a nice caramelization that creates a rich, savory experience.

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Olive oil for drizzling

For Serving

Spaghetti or your favorite pasta sauce
Extra Parmesan for topping
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs

Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the meatballs with spaghetti and sauce, sprinkling extra Parmesan and basil on top!

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or serve them with a marinara dipping sauce.

Storage and Reheating

These Ground Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Additionally, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen – just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating is simple too. You can warm them in a microwave, but for better texture, I recommend reheating them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This method helps to retain their moisture and keeps the exterior nice and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti and marinara sauce, but don’t hesitate to get creative! Try serving them on a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option or atop a hearty polenta for a comforting twist. They're also fantastic as an appetizer – simply serve them with toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping.

For an extra touch, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. The brightness of the herbs not only enhances the presentation but also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs. If you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can add a delightful kick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and shape the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

→ Can I freeze the meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once frozen. They can be cooked from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers or oats as a substitute for breadcrumbs. Both options work well in this recipe.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken, and will yield similarly tasty results.