Crispy on the outside, flavorful throughout, and juicy on the inside. This recipe is perfect as an appetizer to any party or gathering, but also as a main dish served with spaghetti noodles or spaghetti squash. Easy to make and guaranteed to be a favorite in your home!
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Keyword Appetizer, Chicken Meatballs, Main Dish, Parmesan Chicken
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
Servings 4servings
Calories 530kcal
Author Samantha Buckner
Ingredients
Meatballs:
1lbground chicken
1/4cupwhite onion,finely chopped
1largeegg
1tspminced garlic,2 cloves
1tspItalian seasoning
1/4tspblack pepper,more or less to taste
1/2tspsalt,more or less to taste
1/2cupgrated parmesan cheese
Other:
3cupsmarinara sauce,your favorite brand
1cupshredded mozzarella cheese
1.5cupsplain panko breadcrumbs
2-3tbspolive oil
Garnishment:
grated parmesan cheese
freshly chopped basil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Combine all ingredients for meatballs into a large mixing bowl and mix to combine. Form into 16 meatballs. To a shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs and roll each meatball to thoroughly coat. It helps to press gently, but keep rolled in the palm of your hand.** See Notes below.
Place a nonstick skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the pan is hot and the oil is heated, add the meatballs in two separate batches to ensure each side can be browned thoroughly. 3-4 minutes per side. You want the outsides to be just a light brown and crisp. The meatballs will continue cooking in the oven. Remove to plate and cover to keep warm.
Using a paper towel, carefully wipe out the breadcrumbs that have fallen during cooking. Try to save the olive oil. Add 1 additional tablespoon of olive oil (if needed) and cook remaining meatballs. Once browned on both sides, remove skillet from heat and the meatballs to the plate.
To the skillet, add the marinara sauce and then meatballs. To make the meatballs extra crisp - spritz lightly with nonstick cooking spray to each meatball (optional). Place into the oven to bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven, cover with mozzarella cheese and place back into the oven to bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Be sure the internal temperature of the meatballs has reached 165 degrees F.
Garnish with parmesan cheese and basil. Serve with sliced bread (for dipping), your favorite pasta, or spaghetti squash.
Notes
If you do not have an oven-safe skillet or pan, use a regular pan on the stove and transfer to a baking dish.**Ground chicken consistency varies. If it feels too soft to form a ball, combine 1/2 cup of the panko breadcrumbs into the initial meatball mixture. The initial mixture will be softer than normal meatballs, but once in the pan, they will firm up. If you're having trouble keeping a consistent ball form - add the 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs.