Description
These Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs combine juicy ground chicken with melty mozzarella cheese, baked in a rich marinara sauce. Perfectly seasoned and tender, they’re an Italian-American classic that can be enjoyed over pasta or with crusty bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat and keep meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs with Cheese: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully shape the meat mixture around the cheese to form a sealed ball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are lightly browned on all sides. This step adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Add Marinara and Bake: Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon additional sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if preferred.
- Serve the meatballs over spaghetti, pasta, or with crusty bread for a complete, hearty meal.
