Easy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs
When it comes to creating meals that are easy, high in protein, and downright delicious, these Easy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are a game-changer. Perfectly seasoned lean ground chicken, rich parmesan cheese, and fragrant spices come together to form tender meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese. This is a hearty meal, packed with benefits that nourish your body without sacrificing flavour.
What You’ll Need
This recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
Lean ground chicken: A protein-packed, lower-fat option that stays moist when baked.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami flavour and a calcium boost. Not to mention 10g of protein per ounce!
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs tender and cohesive.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning or a combination of basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper bring out the rich, comforting flavours.
Marinara sauce: Choose your favourite store-bought brand to keep things simple. (I love Rao’s)
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden deliciousness on top.
Boost Your Nutrition One Meal at a Time
Making mindful food choices doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavour or convenience. These easy, Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are a delicious way to meet your nutritional needs during midlife while still enjoying every bite. When I make these for our family, I offer up a plate of pasta for the kids, while Fras and I will enjoy them with a side salad and a glass of wine.
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Nutritional Benefits at a Glance
Protein: Keeps you feeling fuller longer, supports lean muscle, and stabilizes energy.
Calcium: Essential for bone health during midlife.
Fiber (if paired with veggies): Supports digestion and balances hormones naturally.
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Easy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs
prep time: 10 min | cook time: 25 min | serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken (but you can use any ground meat in this recipe)
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs (I used gluten free)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (or a combination of 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried parsley)
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 24oz jar of marinara sauce
4 oz mozzarella
Side salad, pasta or crusty bread for serving
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425F. Spray a 10-inch oven proof skillet of baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
In a bowl, mix together 1 lb ground chicken, 1/3 cup panko, 1/2 cup parmesan, 1/4 cup finely chopped basil, 2 garlic cloves, 1 egg, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Using your hands, mix well and form into about 10 meatballs.
Pour 1/2 cup panko into a shallow bowl and roll each meatball in the panko until covered and place into the prepared skillet.
Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes. Then pour in the jar of marinara sauce (careful that it doesn’t splatter all over you) and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese all over the top. Place the skillet back in the oven for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melty.
Remove from the oven and garnish with more basil and fresh parmesan, if desired.
Enjoy!
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Notes, Storage and Swaps:
Make a big batch and freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Simply reheat, add marinara, and top with mozzarella for a quick and nourishing dinner whenever you need it.
Looking for more meatball recipes? Try these!
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Remember, adding new foods to your diet doesn't have to be complicated. These Easy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs is proof that simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, can create something extraordinary while nourishing your body.
Pin this recipe to save it for later! Give it a try and let me know in the comments how you liked it!
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