If you have a craving for something comforting, flavorful, and irresistibly tender, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These meatballs bring together the mildness of ground chicken with the sharp, salty note of Parmesan cheese and a punch of fresh garlic, creating a perfect bite every time. Whether baked or pan-fried, they come out juicy and golden, making them a wonderful main dish or a tasty appetizer that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from adding moisture and texture to packing the ideal flavor punch.
- Ground chicken: The lean and mild base that keeps these meatballs light yet satisfying.
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Provide just the right amount of structure and a tender bite without heaviness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Large egg: Acts as the perfect binder for holding the meatballs together.
- Minced garlic cloves: Infuse a vibrant, aromatic flavor that’s impossible to resist.
- Chopped parsley (fresh or dried): Brings a pop of color and a mild herbal freshness.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the garlic.
- Dried oregano: Adds subtle warmth and a hint of earthiness.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Provides a gentle spice to complement the mild chicken.
- Olive oil: For browning your meatballs beautifully and adding a luscious finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Method
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer baking, or heat a skillet over medium heat for pan-frying. This sets the stage for perfectly cooked meatballs with a golden exterior.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix; just enough to bring everything together will keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls, aiming for about 18 to 20 pieces. Uniform sizing ensures they cook evenly and look inviting on the plate.
Step 4: Cook Your Meatballs
If baking, place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush them lightly with olive oil for a beautiful golden finish, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through. For pan-frying, warm olive oil in your skillet, cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until each side is browned and the center reaches 165°F (74°C), about 10 to 12 minutes.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan right before serving instantly brightens and tugs at the senses. You can also drizzle a little good quality olive oil or even a touch of lemon zest for a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair perfectly with a variety of sides: creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta tossed with marinara, a crisp garden salad, or even roasted seasonal vegetables. Their versatility makes them a weeknight hero or a star at any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe as part of a cozy sub sandwich with melted provolone or mozzarella, or as meatball sliders. They also shine when served atop a bed of fluffy rice with a drizzle of garlic butter sauce for a comforting meal with a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your meatballs have cooled, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep frozen for up to 3 months. This is a fantastic way to have ready-to-cook homemade meatballs on hand at any time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven until warmed through. Covering them while reheating helps retain moisture, ensuring they stay tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a great substitute and will still give you tender meatballs, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just make sure to check seasoning levels and cook fully.
Do I have to bake the meatballs, or is pan-frying better?
Both methods work wonderfully. Baking is hands-off and yields perfectly even cooking, while pan-frying adds a lovely crispy exterior and caramelized flavor. Choose based on your preferred texture and convenience.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavor remains equally delightful.
How can I tell when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meatballs should also be firm and no longer pink inside.
Can I add a sauce to these meatballs?
Definitely! Classic marinara sauce pairs beautifully, but you can also try creamy Alfredo, a tangy BBQ glaze, or a honey mustard dip to switch things up.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe, it’s sure to find a special place in your recipe collection. The combination of savory Parmesan and fragrant garlic with tender chicken is simply unbeatable. Whether served for a casual family dinner or a cozy gathering, these meatballs bring joy and comfort with every bite. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’re going to love every moment of making and sharing this delicious dish.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings (about 18 meatballs)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These flavorful chicken meatballs are made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs, offering a lean and delicious alternative to traditional meatballs. Perfectly baked or pan-fried to a golden brown, they serve as a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, marinara sauce, subs, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Cooking
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or brushing before baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven or skillet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium heat if you prefer pan-frying.
- Mix ingredients. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape meatballs. Form the mixture into 1.5-inch balls, making about 18–20 meatballs evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Bake the meatballs. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush them with olive oil to promote browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes or until they are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Or pan-fry the meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking and turning occasionally for 10–12 minutes until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Serve. Enjoy the meatballs hot with your choice of marinara sauce, pasta, sandwiches, rice, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- You can freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 1 month; bake or pan-fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- For extra flavor, serve with a side of marinara sauce or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
- To ensure even cooking, try to make meatballs uniform in size.
- If baking, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and food safety.
