Chicken Parmesan Meatballs | Comfort Food That Delivers Every Time

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a cozy and flavorful twist on the beloved Italian-American favorite. Instead of pan-frying, these are baked to golden perfection in a rich tomato sauce and topped with bubbling cheese and a crunchy finish. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for the week, or craving something hearty, this dish delivers comfort and convenience all in one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a go-to for busy nights and easy dinners.

You only need a handful of ingredients to create something satisfying.
No frying required—everything cooks in one dish in the oven.
Great for leftovers, lunchboxes, or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this wholesome, cheesy meal at home.

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons olive oil
5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Meatballs:

22 Ritz crackers, crushed finely
5 ounces grated Parmesan cheese (about 2½ cups total)
1 large egg, beaten
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds ground chicken
8 ounces shredded mozzarella (about 2 cups)

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup fresh basil, torn into pieces

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

This recipe is made in three parts. First, you’ll make a simple tomato-garlic sauce. Then you’ll prepare and shape the meatballs before baking them in the oven. Finally, you’ll top them with a crispy breadcrumb mixture and fresh basil for added crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and cook for about one minute until they begin to turn golden. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once slightly thickened, remove from heat and keep covered.

Step 2: Preheat and Crush Crackers
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place Ritz crackers in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs with a rolling pin or heavy object. You should have about 1 cup of crumbs total.

Step 3: Combine Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the crushed crackers with 2 cups of grated Parmesan, the egg, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add in the ground chicken and gently mix everything with your hands until evenly blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.

Step 4: Shape the Meatballs
Portion the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs, using about ¼ cup for each. Roll each into a smooth ball and place them into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meatballs. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing it evenly. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the meatballs reach 160°F internally and the cheese has melted and browned. Let the dish rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Toast the Breadcrumbs
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and Italian seasoning. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the breadcrumbs are golden and toasted, about 1 to 3 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the toasted panko mixture over the baked meatballs. Finish with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, colorful touch.

Helpful Tips

Handle the meatball mixture lightly to keep them tender.
Letting the meatballs rest after baking helps them firm up and absorb flavor.
Whole-milk mozzarella adds richness and melts better than part-skim versions.
Check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Details

Flavor: Savory garlic-tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and herb-seasoned chicken
Texture: Moist and tender with a golden, crunchy topping
Perfect For: Dinner parties, weeknight meals, or make-ahead prep
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Notes

Try swapping the crackers for plain breadcrumbs or use crushed cornflakes for added texture.
Mix in chopped spinach or herbs to boost nutrition.
If you enjoy a little heat, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Use gluten-free panko and crackers for an allergen-friendly version.
Substitute dairy-free cheese for a non-dairy alternative.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 845 kcal
Carbohydrates: 39 g
Protein: 60 g
Fat: 52 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Sugar: 14 g
Cholesterol: 248 mg
Sodium: 2074 mg
Fiber: 6 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Yes, and this recipe uses the oven from start to finish. It’s a cleaner method and keeps things simple.

How do I make sure my chicken meatballs stay moist?
The combination of crushed crackers and egg locks in moisture. Be careful not to overmix the meat to keep them tender.

Do I cook the meatballs in the sauce or separately?
They are baked right in the sauce, which helps the flavors develop and keeps the meatballs juicy.

Is it possible to make these in advance or freeze them?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them. To freeze, bake them first, then cool and store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Storage Instructions

After the meatballs have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven until heated through. For freezing, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe dish and store for up to three months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Conclusion

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs offer everything you want in a comforting homemade meal. They’re easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re serving them on a busy weeknight or prepping meals for the freezer, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, saucy, golden-topped classic.

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