Description
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs with Mozzarella feature tender ground chicken meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, simmered in a vibrant marinara sauce. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals. Lean chicken breast keeps it light, while the blend of Parmesan, Italian herbs, and fresh garlic lend authentic flavors. These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or paired with pasta, salad, or low-carb sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground chicken breast
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs for variation)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Filling
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese cubes or small pieces
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil, for browning
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, minced garlic, grated onion, Italian seasoning, and egg. Mix gently but thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Assemble Meatballs with Mozzarella: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a small cube of mozzarella in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around it, rolling into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining mixture, ensuring each meatball is sealed well around the cheese.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. This creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices.
- Simmer in Sauce: Lower the heat and pour marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the browned meatballs. Cover and let simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and cheese to melt inside the meatballs.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked through and bubbling, transfer meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the mixture bind better and cook evenly.
- Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Seal mozzarella completely inside each meatball to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Browning meatballs adds a delicious caramelized flavor and texture.
- Simmer gently on low heat to thoroughly cook without drying meatballs out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering (can also be baked)
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg