Delicious One-Skillet Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: An Easy Italian Classic

Craving the comforting, cheesy, and deeply flavorful embrace of classic Chicken Parmesan but short on time? Look no further than these incredible Chicken Parmesan Meatballs! This inspired recipe takes everything you love about the beloved Italian-American dish – the tender chicken, the rich tomato sauce, the gooey melted mozzarella, and the savory Parmesan – and reimagines it in a simpler, quicker, and undeniably fun meatball format. It’s a delightful twist that promises to become a go-to in your recipe collection, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Imagine succulent ground chicken, infused with fragrant herbs and cheeses, simmered directly in a vibrant marinara sauce until perfectly tender. Topped with a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and extra Parmesan, every bite delivers a burst of that signature Chicken Parm flavor. This recipe isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a smart culinary innovation that saves you time and effort. By cooking the meatballs right in the sauce, you completely bypass the messy step of pan-browning, ensuring fewer dishes and a more enjoyable cooking experience.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

This Chicken Parmesan Meatball recipe stands out for its incredible balance of flavor, ease of preparation, and remarkable versatility. Unlike traditional Chicken Parm which often involves multiple steps of breading and pan-frying, these meatballs simplify the process without compromising on taste. They are designed for convenience, allowing you to achieve that beloved cheesy, saucy chicken parm experience in a fraction of the time.

One of the biggest advantages is the “one-skillet wonder” approach. From sautéing the aromatics to simmering the meatballs in their flavorful sauce, everything happens in a single pan. This not only streamlines the cooking process but also drastically reduces the amount of washing up, giving you more time to savor your delicious meal and less time scrubbing dishes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you simply want a comforting, homemade dinner without the fuss.

Furthermore, using ground chicken makes these meatballs a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork versions, yet they remain incredibly juicy and packed with flavor. The clever combination of ricotta and Parmesan cheese, along with aromatic Italian seasoning, ensures that every meatball is tender, moist, and bursting with that signature Chicken Parm taste. The rich, savory tomato sauce complements the chicken perfectly, creating a harmonious dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.

The versatility of these Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is another reason they’ll quickly become a family favorite. While they are phenomenal served over a bed of al dente pasta for a classic, hearty Italian dinner, don’t stop there! Imagine them tucked into a warm, toasted sub roll with extra melted cheese for an epic Chicken Parm Meatball sub, or even served alongside creamy polenta or crunchy garlic bread. They’re also delicious simply scooped straight from the skillet as a satisfying main course. There truly is no wrong way to enjoy these delightful morsels, making them adaptable to any meal occasion.

Key Ingredients for Flavorful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Crafting the perfect Chicken Parmesan Meatballs starts with selecting high-quality ingredients that build layers of irresistible flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• Olive Oil: The cornerstone of many exquisite Italian dishes, olive oil is crucial for sautéing the aromatics and creating a rich flavor base for our sauce. While extra virgin olive oil offers a superior flavor profile, a standard or light olive oil works perfectly here for general cooking. If you happen to be out, a neutral oil like vegetable or canola can serve as a substitute, though it won’t contribute the same nuanced depth.
• Onion: Finely diced onion adds a fundamental layer of sweetness and savory depth to both the meatball mixture and the simmering sauce. Yellow onions, often called brown onions, are a classic choice due to their balanced flavor, but white onions can also be used effectively. Ensure they are minced into very small pieces so they soften and practically melt into the dish, distributing flavor evenly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is an absolute must for this recipe. Its pungent, distinctively aromatic qualities are vital for achieving that authentic, vibrant Italian taste. Steer clear of pre-minced jarred garlic; freshly minced cloves, prepared just before cooking, provide a far superior and more robust flavor that truly elevates the entire dish. You’ll strategically add it in two stages to maximize its aromatic impact.
• Ground Chicken: The star protein of our meatballs! Ground chicken offers a leaner and lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, yet it remains incredibly juicy and tender when prepared correctly. For the best moisture content, opt for ground chicken that isn’t excessively lean (around 92-93% lean is often ideal) to prevent dryness. Remember to handle the ground chicken gently to avoid compacting it, which can lead to dense meatballs.
• Bread Crumbs: These are essential for binding the meatball mixture together and absorbing excess moisture, which helps ensure the meatballs maintain a wonderfully tender and light texture. Standard dried breadcrumbs are recommended over coarser Panko breadcrumbs for this recipe, as their finer texture creates a smoother, more cohesive meatball that holds its shape perfectly. You can use plain breadcrumbs and rely on the Italian seasoning for flavor, or opt for seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra layer of taste.
• Ricotta Cheese: This soft, creamy Italian cheese is a secret weapon for creating exceptionally moist and tender meatballs. Ricotta adds a delightful richness and helps to bind the ground chicken mixture without making the meatballs heavy or dense. Smooth, whole-milk ricotta is ideal for its creamy texture and luscious flavor, but any good quality ricotta you find will work wonderfully. It significantly contributes to the characteristic “parm” creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: A key player in defining the authentic Chicken Parmesan flavor! Grated Parmesan cheese (not coarsely shredded) blends seamlessly into the meatball mixture, infusing it with its sharp, salty, umami notes, and melts beautifully over the top of the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan from a solid block will always deliver a more intense and complex flavor compared to pre-packaged grated varieties, making it worth the extra effort. You’ll use it both inside the meatballs and as a final cheesy sprinkle.
• Italian Seasoning: A convenient and flavorful blend of dried herbs typically including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This seasoning instantly imbues the meatballs with a classic taste of Italy, enhancing their overall aroma and savory profile. If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily create your own by combining equal parts of your favorite dried Italian herbs.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical for bringing out and balancing all the other flavors in the dish. Always season generously but thoughtfully, keeping in mind the inherent saltiness of the Parmesan cheese and store-bought tomato sauce. Freshly ground black pepper provides a superior aroma and a subtle kick.
• Tomato Sauce: The very heart of the “Parmesan” experience! A good quality store-bought marinara sauce or your cherished homemade tomato sauce will serve as the perfect base. Select a sauce with a robust, ripe tomato flavor and a desirable consistency – neither too watery nor excessively thick. Crushed tomatoes can also be used as a flavorful foundation, further enhanced with your preferred seasonings.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Absolutely essential for that irresistible, bubbly, and gooey topping! Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese is perfect for its excellent melting properties and its mild, creamy flavor that complements the sauce and meatballs beautifully. An Italian cheese blend, which often combines mozzarella with provolone and other cheeses, can also be a delicious alternative for a more complex cheesy layer.
• Fresh Basil: A vibrant and aromatic garnish that adds a critical burst of freshness and a beautiful finishing touch to the dish. Finely chopped fresh basil is sprinkled over the meatballs just before serving to preserve its delicate flavor, bright color, and refreshing herbaceous aroma. Don’t underestimate how much a simple fresh herb can brighten and elevate a rich dish.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Creating these delectable Chicken Parmesan Meatballs is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying and easy-to-make Italian-inspired meal:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, sturdy skillet equipped with a tight-fitting lid. Place the skillet over medium heat. This initial step creates the essential flavor foundation for your entire dish. Once the oil glistens, add the diced onion to the hot skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion pieces begin to soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Infuse with Garlic: Next, add half of the freshly minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Continue to cook for just another minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. It’s crucial not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it can quickly turn bitter. Once fragrant, carefully remove about half of this cooked onion-garlic mixture from the pan and set it aside in a small bowl. This reserved mixture will be incorporated directly into your meatballs, adding incredible depth and moisture.
3. Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, creamy ricotta cheese, the reserved cooked onion and garlic mixture, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. The golden rule here is to mix very gently! Overmixing can compress the ground chicken proteins, resulting in dense and tough meatballs, so combine just until the ingredients are barely incorporated and no dry streaks of breadcrumbs are visible.
4. Form the Meatballs: Using a spoon, or for greater consistency, a small cookie scoop (approximately 2 tablespoons of mixture per meatball), gently form the mixture into uniform, round balls. Aim for consistent sizing across all meatballs to ensure they cook evenly. If the mixture is sticky, lightly wetting your hands can make the forming process much easier. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or a clean baking sheet as you go.
5. Prepare the Sauce: Return your attention to the skillet on the stove. Add the tomato sauce to the pan, joining the remaining onions and garlic. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits or fond that might be clinging to the bottom of the pan – these contribute immensely to the sauce’s richness. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
6. Simmer the Meatballs: Carefully nestle each raw meatball into the simmering tomato sauce. Try to arrange them in a single layer if your skillet allows, or stack them gently if space is limited. Once all meatballs are in the sauce, cover the pot with its tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the meatballs to simmer undisturbed for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are completely cooked through. To be absolutely certain they are safe to eat, use a digital meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking them directly in the sauce not only infuses them with flavor but also keeps them incredibly tender.
7. Melt the Cheese: Once the meatballs are cooked to perfection, turn off the heat. Evenly sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the meatballs and sauce. Replace the lid on the skillet immediately and let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the residual heat within the pan to perfectly melt the cheeses into a luscious, bubbly, and utterly irresistible layer.
8. Garnish and Serve: Serve your piping hot Chicken Parmesan Meatballs without delay. Spoon them generously over your favorite cooked pasta, such as classic spaghetti or elegant fettuccine, or explore other delightful serving options. Finish each serving with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, which adds a refreshing burst of color and a beautiful aromatic flourish to this comforting and incredibly flavorful meal. Enjoy every homemade bite!

Step-By-Step Process Visual Guide

Sometimes, seeing is believing! These images illustrate key stages of preparing your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, ensuring you have a clear visual reference for each step of this delightful recipe.

Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Meatballs

Achieving truly outstanding Chicken Parmesan Meatballs goes beyond just following the steps. Here are some invaluable tips from Chef Jenn to help you elevate your dish from good to absolutely unforgettable:

• Gentle Mixing is Paramount: When combining the meatball ingredients, always use a very light hand. Overmixing is the most common culprit for dense, tough meatballs as it develops the proteins too much. Mix just until everything is barely combined and no dry streaks of breadcrumbs remain. Your fingertips are often the best tools for this delicate task.
• Ensure Uniform Meatball Size: Strive for meatballs that are as uniform in size as possible. This consistency is crucial for ensuring that all meatballs cook at roughly the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others become dry. A small cookie scoop (about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons) is an excellent tool for achieving perfect, consistent portions.
• The Magic of Fresh Basil: While dried Italian herbs contribute to the foundational flavor, fresh basil added at the very end makes a significant difference. It provides a bright, aromatic, and slightly peppery contrast that beautifully cuts through the richness of the sauce and cheese. If fresh basil isn’t available, a tiny sprinkle of dried Italian herbs can substitute, but always prioritize fresh for the best results!
• Ground Turkey Swap: If you prefer, ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken in this recipe with excellent results. For the best moisture and flavor, opt for ground turkey with a slightly higher fat content (like 93% lean) as very lean ground turkey can sometimes result in drier meatballs. No other recipe adjustments are typically needed.
• Don’t Rush the Simmer: The low and slow simmer in the sauce is absolutely crucial for these meatballs. It allows them to fully cook through while gently absorbing all the delicious flavors of the rich tomato sauce, keeping them incredibly tender and moist. Resist the urge to crank up the heat, as this can cook the outside too quickly and potentially dry out the interior.
• Verify Internal Temperature: For food safety and optimal texture, always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees they are fully cooked and safe to enjoy.
• Choose the Right Cheese: For the most luscious, melty topping, use low-moisture, pre-shredded mozzarella or, even better, shred your own from a block. Avoid fresh mozzarella balls here, as they release too much water and can dilute your beautiful sauce. Similarly, use finely grated Parmesan for mixing into the meatballs for even distribution, and freshly grated Parmesan for sprinkling on top for superior flavor and melt.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs are excellent for making ahead! Prepare and cook them in the sauce, then cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, they freeze exceptionally well.

More Delicious Meatball Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of these easy and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic meatball creations from Chef Jenn’s kitchen. Each offers a unique flavor profile and another opportunity to enjoy comforting, savory meals that are perfect for any occasion.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Chicken Parmesan Meatball Meal

These incredibly versatile Chicken Parmesan Meatballs can be the star of many delicious and satisfying meals. Here are some creative ideas to help you build a complete and memorable dinner:

• Classic Pasta Pairing: The most obvious and universally beloved choice is to serve these cheesy, saucy meatballs over your favorite cooked pasta. Long strands like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine are perfect for twirling and catching all that rich tomato sauce. Shorter pasta shapes such as penne or rigatoni also work wonderfully, especially for soaking up every delicious drop.
• Creamy Polenta: For a truly decadent and comforting experience, spoon the meatballs and generous amounts of sauce over a bed of creamy, buttery polenta. The soft, rich texture of the polenta provides an excellent and satisfying counterpoint to the savory meatballs and zesty sauce.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Ciabatta: No Italian-inspired meal is complete without something to soak up every last bit of that exquisite tomato sauce! Freshly baked garlic bread, warm and crusty ciabatta bread, or a simple yet elegant baguette are all ideal companions that add delightful texture and flavor.
• Fresh Vegetable Sides: To perfectly balance the richness of the main dish, add a light and fresh side. A simple green salad tossed with a bright vinaigrette dressing, crisp steamed green beans, perfectly roasted asparagus, or garlic-parmesan roasted broccoli would complement the meal beautifully, adding essential vitamins and fiber.
• Epic Chicken Parm Meatball Subs: Transform any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have them!) into an absolutely incredible sandwich. Slice open a toasted hoagie roll or sub bun, generously pile in a few meatballs and plenty of sauce, and top with extra shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese. Broil for a minute or two until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and melted for an unforgettable Chicken Parm Meatball sub experience.
• Appetizer Style: For a party, potluck, or casual gathering, you can easily adapt this recipe into a fantastic appetizer. Form smaller meatballs and serve them on toothpicks with a side of the savory tomato sauce for dipping, making them a crowd-pleasing finger food.

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are not only delicious fresh but also fantastic for meal prep and reheat beautifully, making them an ideal choice for planning ahead and enjoying convenient, flavorful meals throughout the week:

• Refrigeration: Allow any leftover meatballs and sauce to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, they will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them excellent for packed lunches or quick dinners.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze exceptionally well, offering a convenient option for future meals. Once completely cooled, transfer the cooked meatballs and sauce together to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. To prevent freezer burn, ensure there is as little air as possible in the container before sealing. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Reheating from Refrigerator: For refrigerated leftovers, you can reheat them gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat until they are warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. You might want to add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
• Reheating from Freezer: To reheat from a frozen state, it’s best to thaw the meatballs and sauce overnight in the refrigerator first. Once thawed, reheat them using either the stovetop or microwave methods described above. If you’re pressed for time and need to reheat directly from frozen, you can gently simmer them in a covered pot on the stovetop over very low heat, adding a little liquid (water or broth) if necessary, until they are thoroughly thawed and heated through to the center. This method will take longer than reheating thawed meatballs.

---

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are tender, cheesy, and simmered in rich tomato sauce—everything you love about Chicken Parm, made easy in one skillet!

Course:

main dish

Cuisine:

Italian

Keywords:

cheesy meatball recipe, chicken parmesan meatballs, easy chicken meatballs, skillet meatballs

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cook Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

50 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Calories:

667 kcal

Author:

Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• ¾ cup bread crumbs
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• salt
• pepper
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• ¼ cup fresh basil chopped, for the garnish

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat.
2. Sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until it starts to soften. Add half of the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove half the onion-garlic from the pan and set aside.
3. Combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, ricotta, reserved cooked onion mixture, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently to combine.
4. Form meatballs using about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each. Set aside.
5. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet with the remaining onions and stir to combine.
6. Nestle the meatballs into the sauce. Cover the pot and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach 165°F on a digital thermometer.
7. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and the shredded mozzarella over the meatballs. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt.
8. Serve hot over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil.

Notes from Chef Jenn

• Use a light hand when mixing and forming the meatballs—overmixing can make them dense.
• Fresh basil adds a pop of brightness at the end, but if you’re out, a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs works too.
• You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken if you prefer.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 5 meatballs and sauce |
Calories: 667kcal |
Carbohydrates: 33g |
Protein: 48g |
Fat: 39g |
Saturated Fat: 17g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 16g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 170mg |
Sodium: 1767mg |
Potassium: 1357mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 1560IU |
Vitamin C: 17mg |
Calcium: 675mg |
Iron: 5mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.