Name: Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-searing or baking); 2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)

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If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings a splash of Italian flair to your table, look no further than this Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe. These tender, juicy meatballs marry the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs with the lightness of ground chicken, all simmered in vibrant marinara sauce. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or a lively family gathering, this is one meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with easy-to-find ingredients that each play a starring role. From the richness of Parmesan to the aromatic punch of garlic and parsley, every element brings something special to this Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe—so don’t skip a thing!

Ground Chicken: Lean, protein-packed ground chicken makes for a lighter meatball without sacrificing tenderness.
Italian-Style Breadcrumbs: These seasoned breadcrumbs lock in the juices and provide that classic herby base.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps bind the meatballs.
Large Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs together.
Minced Garlic: For deep, authentic Italian flavor in every bite.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Brightens the flavor and brings fresh, vibrant color.
Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herb, lending a woody, aromatic note.
Onion Powder: Gives subtle sweetness and depth without needing to chop onions.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the other flavors.
Black Pepper: Just the right amount of warmth and bite.
Olive Oil: Adds lovely flavor and helps achieve a beautiful sear or golden bake.
Marinara Sauce: The finishing touch—adds tanginess and helps keep the meatballs moist and saucy.

How to Make Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and tossing in the ground chicken, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently combine everything with your hands or a fork—just until the mixture holds together. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so mix until everything looks even and then stop. You’ll notice the mixture smells amazing already, even before it’s cooked!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Scoop out about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms to form even, round meatballs. You should end up with roughly 16 little beauties. Placing them on a parchment-lined tray keeps things tidy and makes transferring them to the pan or oven a breeze.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs (Pan-Sear or Bake)

It’s time to choose your path! For a classic sear, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 6–8 minutes total, making sure they’re cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Or, if you prefer a hands-off method, line a baking sheet with parchment, drizzle with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes. Both methods produce juicy, flavorful meatballs—baked ones are a bit lighter, while pan-seared have that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked, it’s time for the saucy finale. If you’re stovetop searing, simply pour your favorite marinara sauce into the skillet, gently turn the meatballs to coat, and let them simmer for five more minutes. If you baked the meatballs, heat the marinara separately and spoon it generously over the meatballs before serving. This step infuses the meat with extra moisture and classic Italian flavor.

How to Serve Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

No Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe is complete without a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a shower of extra Parmesan. These final touches bring bursts of freshness and salty complexity, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are fabulous with classic spaghetti or your favorite pasta, but don’t stop there—they shine nestled in warm sub rolls for meatball sandwiches, or even tucked into a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes. For lighter fare, serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp, lemony salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd or party, try threading the meatballs onto toothpicks and doling them out as delightful finger food. You can also serve them in mini-cast iron skillets for individual portions, or arrange them on a platter with fresh basil and little bowls of extra sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, you’re in for a treat. Let the meatballs cool completely and transfer them, with sauce, to an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days and make for an outstanding lunch or quick dinner the next day.

Freezing

Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep their flavor and tenderness for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat, simply simmer the meatballs gently in sauce over low heat on the stove, or warm them in a covered baking dish in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through. This keeps them from drying out and brings back all that juicy tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and will still give you tender, flavorful meatballs. Just make sure to use turkey that isn’t too lean, so the meatballs stay juicy.

What’s the secret to keeping chicken meatballs moist?

The key is to mix the ingredients just until combined and not to overcook them. Adding ingredients like Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and egg helps lock in moisture, and a little ricotta cheese makes them extra tender if you want a boost.

Can these meatballs be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the Italian-style breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free version. Just ensure they’re seasoned, or add a pinch more herbs to the mixture.

What kind of marinara sauce works best for the Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe?

Use a good-quality store-bought marinara for ease, or go homemade if you have the time. Look for one with simple, classic ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil for the purest flavor.

Can I prepare the meatball mixture in advance?

Definitely! You can make and shape the meatballs up to a day ahead. Store them covered in the fridge, then cook as directed when ready to serve—perfect for stress-free entertaining or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the fresh, cozy flavors of this Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe in your own kitchen. Whether you serve them over pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or all on their own with a tangle of fresh herbs, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Give the recipe a try—you’ll want it in your regular rotation before you know it!

Italian-Style Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Italian-style chicken meatballs are a flavorful and healthier twist on the classic meatball recipe. Made with ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of herbs and seasonings, they are versatile and perfect for serving with pasta or in sandwiches.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking:

2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-searing or baking)
2 cups marinara sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix. Form into 1½-inch meatballs (about 16 total).

To pan-sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.

To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until cooked through and lightly golden. Heat marinara sauce separately and spoon over meatballs before serving.

Notes

Serve over spaghetti, in sub rolls, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
For extra moisture, mix in 2 tablespoons of ricotta cheese to the meatball mixture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course, Appetizer
Method: Stovetop or Baking
Cuisine: Italian