Enjoy a twist on classic chicken parm with this Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs recipe! Perfect over a bed of spaghetti or as an appetizer on game day.
The most delicious chicken parm meatballs
I don't know about you, but my healthy chicken parmesan recipe has always been a favorite of mine. It's one of those simple recipes that requires only a handful of ingredients but creates a totally delicious result! After having it a good number of times (meaning, a lot of times), I decided it was time for something new.
Hello, baked chicken parmesan meatballs!
These are essentially little meatball-shaped chicken parmesan bites. They're made with classic chicken parm ingredients like mozzarella and marina sauce to maintain the flavors that we all love. Top 'em with a bit of extra parmesan cheese, and oh boy. These things are delicious!
Chicken parm meatballs are great over a bed of pasta for a twist on spaghetti and meatballs night. They're also perfect as an appetizer on game day!
Ingredients in baked chicken parmesan meatballs
This baked chicken meatball recipe consists of chicken, egg, almond flour, spices, and loads of cheese. Oh, and marinara sauce. It's a delicious combo, to say the least! Is your mouth watering yet?
- Chicken: Start with 1 lb of your favorite ground chicken.
- Egg: 1 egg will be used to create the meatball base and will help us achieve the right texture.
- Almond flour: We will use ½ cup of almond flour. This helps the ingredients bind together and thickens up the meatballs.
- Parmesan: ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese will be added for flavor.
- Spices: When it comes to spices, add 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
- Marinara sauce: To give the meatballs that classic chicken parm taste, use 2 cups of your favorite jarred marina sauce.
- Mozzarella: Increase the cheesiness with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. This is the magic ingredient for making them true chicken parm meatballs!
- Parmesan: Last but not least, finish off the meatballs with an additional ¼ cup of parmesan cheese.
Tools used to create this recipe
To create these meatballs from scratch you will need a large mixing bowl, a stirring utensil, and a cooking brush. You will also need a dish to bake the meatballs and can use a cast-iron skillet, regular glass baking dish, or a sauté pan.
To measure out ingredients you will need ½ tsp, 1 tsp, ¼ cup, and ½ cup.
How to make baked chicken meatballs
We'll make these meatballs like any other meatball recipe. It begins by combining the meat mixture, and then we'll shape the mix into balls before adding marinara and cheese and letting them cook in the oven.
To begin, preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Once well combined, roll the mixture into meatballs.
Pour 1 cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of your cooking dish. I used a cast-iron skillet, but you can also use a baking dish or sauté pan.
Place the meatballs in the dish on top of the sauce, and then pour the remaining 1 cup of sauce over the meatballs. Brush it around to neatly coat the tops. Then, sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese and the remaining ¼ cup of parmesan.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the inside of the meatballs reach 165°F.
Substitution Tip
More of a turkey person? Good news! You can easily replace the ground chicken with ground turkey. Ground beef would likely work just as well too!
Want more flavor? Additional seasonings can be used to spice things up a bit. Try parsley and oregano, and feel free to use garlic powder if you don't have fresh cloves available. You can also add some heat with red pepper flakes!
Step-by-step Instructions on how to make Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Recipe Tips
Here's a quick tip for you! After sprinkling on that last layer of parmesan cheese (step 5), give the meatballs a few minutes under the broiler. This will help the parmesan reach a delicious and crispy golden brown color!
Storing leftovers
If you're interested in freezing your chicken parm meatballs for later, simply prep and stop after step 2. Place the meatballs on a pan or baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, remove from the pan, add to your preferred container or freezer bag, and freeze!
When ready to enjoy, let thaw before adding to a pan with marinara sauce and baking as directed.
If you liked this recipe, you'll want to try these!
Meatballs are always a good idea. They're great as an appetizer, an hor d'oeuvre, or even as a main course! Here are some more tasty meatball variations to try.
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
- Easy Turkey Meatballs (Gluten-Free)
- Healthier Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- Thai Turkey Meatballs with Peanut Sauce
Recipe by Erin Antoniak and Photos by Bake and Bacon
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken, egg, almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper by hand. Roll into meatballs.
- Pour 1 cup marinara sauce into bottom of dish. I used a cast iron skillet but you can also use a baking dish or saute pan.
- Place meatballs in baking dish on top of sauce. Pour remaining 1 cup marinara on top, brush on meatballs. Sprinkle with remaining parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 25-30 minutes or until inside reads 165F. Serve!
Nutrition
Notes
- Mix by hand. Mixing the chicken, egg, almond flour, parmesan, and seasonings by hand ensures you get the right texture and makes sure everything binds properly.
- Sauce under and on top of meatballs. Pour the sauce in the dish before placing meatballs AND pour more on top, brushing it over each meatball to fully coat it. This ensures the meatballs stay juicy during baking.
- Optional finish with a broil. Give that final layer of parmesan a few minutes under the broiler for a golden, slightly crispy top that takes these to the next level.
Emmy says
Sooo good! Doubled the recipe and they came out amazing. So quick and easy!!
Erin says
Hi Emmy, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Sharon Ann Kaper says
I've been making turkey meatballs since I changed to the Med. Way of Eating 3 years ago. This is a great way to dress up the dish by going parmesean. A salad or vegetable makes a complete meal.
Erin says
Hi Sharon, so glad you loved them!
Rikki S. says
I doubled the recipe and they were so good! Perfect weeknight meal and tasted even better the next day.
Erin says
Hi Rikki, so happy you loved them so much! 🙂
Karen FitzGerald says
Just made this for dinner . Very yummy . Will make it again
Erin says
Hi Karen, so happy you loved them!!
Amy C says
Delicious and so easy! I used regular flour and added 1 tablespoon of olive oil as a substitute for almond flour and they came out so good! It made 6 big meatballs. Perfect for a quick meal to pack for work. I did not miss the beef at all! These are perfect!
Erin says
Hi Amy, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Avery says
Such a great recipe! Packed with flavor and they’re perfect texture! We did ground beef instead of chicken because we had it on hand!
Erin says
Hi Avery, so happy you enjoyed them and made them your own!!
Tammy Goff says
Super easy and delicious!
Erin says
Hi Tammy, so glad you loved them!!
Kirsten says
The best! Quick go to during the week meal that everyone loves. Also reheats well for leftovers.
Erin says
Hi Kirsten, so happy you loved them!! 🙂
Lily says
I have been making these once a week. So freaking delicious!
Erin says
Hi Lily, so happy you loved them! 🙂
Tina says
I am alergic to nuts. Can I use breadcrumbs in this instead of the almond flour? Or should I use regular flour?
Thanks.
Tina
Erin says
Hi Tina, yeah, either works! Let me know how your meatballs come out!
NR says
I make them with gf Italian breadcrumbs because I never have almond flour on hand. They’re delicious!
Erin says
Hi, so happy you loved them!! 🙂
Lydia says
Delicious!
Erin says
Hi Lydia, so happy you liked them!!
Erin says
This has been my go to chicken meatball recipe! They’ve been a hit as a dinner staple and as an app for game days!
Erin says
Hi Erin, so happy you loved them!! 🙂
natalie says
Could you use panko instead of almond flour?
Erin says
Hi Natalie, I haven't tried that sub but should work! Let me know how your meatballs come out!!
Shannon says
I made these with panko instead of almond flour and they turned out great!
Erin says
Hi Shannon, so happy you loved them and made them your own! 🙂
Emily says
Erin’s recipes NEVER miss and this is no exception!!! Was such a delicious, easy meal that will absolutely be added to our staple recipes. Husband approved, too 🤪
Erin says
Hi Emily, so glad you both enjoyed them!!
Ellen says
I’m going to make these for my daughter’s 30th birthday surprise party. Do you think they could cook in a crockpot?
Erin says
Hi Ellen, yep, should be fine. Let me know how they come out! Happy early birthday to her! 🙂
Meaghan says
Such an easy and delicious recipe! Great as leftovers too!
Erin says
Hi Meaghan, so happy you enjoyed them! 🙂
Kim says
Yummiest dinner ever. My kids who are basically picky, like all kids, even ate them! Highly recommend. Oh and easy to make. As a mom of 4 I need easy!
Erin says
Hi Kim, so happy everyone loved them so much!! 🙂
Kerry says
I finally made these tonight! Delicious!!
Erin says
Hi Kerry, so happy you loved the meatballs! 🙂
Thomas says
I am a huge novice when it comes to baking. Lets put it this way. Tacos, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Italian Sausage and the microwave are my best friends. That and going out for wings. Heck I live in Buffalo, what do you expect. My late wife left me a full kitchen with equipment I have no idea what they are called. I met a nice lady a few months ago and she is Gluten Free and this receipt caught my eye. I going to try it bc is seems fairly simple. The kitchen has a class dish 9x13 and about 1.5-2 deep. Would that work for #3. If this works, your website might be my new best friend.
Erin says
Hi Thomas, thanks for your comment! I haven't tried it with a 9x13 but that should work! Give it a try and let me know how your meatballs come out!
Katie says
My kids are obsessed, I’m obsessed, my guests are obsessed. Easy and yummy as a dinner and I also will make them smaller and throw in some toothpicks and make it as an app! Also great as a meal prep- make double the batch and put them in the freezer.
Erin says
Hi Katie, so happy they love them and all great ideas! Thank you for sharing! 🙂