Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

Cooking has always been my little escape, a place where I can blend flavors and create something beautiful and nourishing. One of my all-time favorite recipes to whip up is these Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs. They’re not just a crowd-pleaser but also so adaptable that they can fit into any meal from fancy dinner parties to casual weeknight dinners.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Why should you consider making these meatballs tonight? Let me paint the picture for you. Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden brown, cheesy meatball bursting with flavor; the moistness of chicken contrasted with the sharpness of Parmesan and the gooeyness of mozzarella creates an Italian symphony in your mouth. The fresh parsley and garlic pop, adding a touch of brightness that will have you coming back for seconds—or thirds!

Not only are these meatballs dreamy in taste, but they also come together in about 30 minutes. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, making them a little lighter but still oh-so-decadent. You can pair them with marinara sauce for dipping or toss them with pasta for a comforting meal. They also make for splendid leftovers, if there are any left after the first round!

Gather these ingredients

Let’s dive into what makes this dish truly shine.

• 1 lb ground chicken: This is the base of our meatballs, lean and tender. You can switch it up with ground turkey or even ground beef if that tickles your fancy.

• 1 cup breadcrumbs: These provide a lovely texture. Use panko for an extra crunch or whole wheat for added nutrition.

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The salty, umami flavor from Parmesan brings richness to the table. Craving a stronger bite? Go for aged Parmesan.

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Oozing with melty goodness, mozzarella is the cheese that truly lifts these meatballs. Swap in provolone or fontina if you’re feeling adventurous!

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs can elevate any dish. If you don’t have parsley, basil or even spinach can work wonders.

• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Nothing beats the aromatic touch of fresh garlic. Garlic powder is an option if you’re in a pinch, but it lacks that punch.

• 1 egg: This little powerhouse binds everything together. You can substitute it with a flax egg or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan version.

• 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper: Essential for flavor. Adjust to your liking; sometimes a pinch more salt can make all the difference.

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that packs in all the flavors of Italy. You can also mix your own with oregano, basil, and thyme.

• Marinara sauce (for serving): The perfect companion for these meatballs! Whether homemade or store-bought, don’t skip out on this tangy delight.

The cooking process explained

Alright, let’s get this party started!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This sets us up for a golden crust.

2. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. With clean hands, mix everything until it’s just combined. Don’t overdo it—just like love, a little gentle handling goes a long way.

3. Now, it’s time to shape your meatballs. Aim for about 1-2 inches in diameter. If you like consistency, use a cookie scoop!

4. Get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking. Place your meatballs on there, leaving a little space in between each.

5. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and beautifully golden. Keep an eye out; you want them golden, not bronzed!

6. When they’re ready, serve them up with marinara sauce and some crusty bread or a mountain of pasta. You can even platter them up as a delicious appetizer for your next gathering.

Best way to enjoy it

These meatballs can shine in various roles. Serve them alongside a vibrant salad for a lighter meal or toss them into spaghetti for a classic Italian experience. You could even skewer them for party bites, perfect for dipping into marinara or a spicy aioli. As for sides, garlic bread and a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complement them beautifully.

Keeping leftovers fresh

Want to save some for later? These meatballs store fantastically! Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, they’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Got a big batch? Freeze them! Just line them up on a baking sheet to flash freeze them before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. This makes weekday meals a breeze!

Pro chef tips

• Ensure your chicken is well mixed but don’t over-mix—this keeps the texture light and airy.
• For an even spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your mixture.
• Don’t skip the resting time after shaping; letting the meatballs sit for about 10 minutes helps them hold their shape better while baking.

Creative Twists

Feeling experimental? Try adding chopped olives for a briny kick or swap in different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, for an unexpected flavor. If you want an herby explosion, throw in some fresh oregano or thyme to the mix. Want a touch of heat? A dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños will liven things up!

Your questions answered

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or beef work wonderfully.
2. How long do these meatballs take to cook? About 20-25 minutes, but always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Can I make them ahead of time? For sure! You can prepare them a day ahead and store them in the fridge or even freeze them before baking.
4. What sides go best with these meatballs? Garlic bread, a garden salad, or pasta are all lovely options.
5. Are they suitable for freezing? Yes! They freeze really well, just make sure to let them cool before storing.

These Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs are not just a dish; they’re a taste of warmth and comfort. Working through the ingredients and steps is like participating in a time-honored ritual. So why not try your hand at this delectable recipe? And remember, cooking is all about joy and exploration—feel free to play around and make it your own. I can’t wait to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking, my friend!

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Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 45 hrs

Cooking Temp: 400  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 250

Best Season: Year-round

Description

These Simple Baked Cheesy Italian Chicken Meatballs are bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken (Can substitute with ground turkey or ground beef)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Use panko for extra crunch or whole wheat for added nutrition)
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Aged Parmesan can be used for a stronger flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Provolone or fontina can be used as alternatives)
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley (Basil or spinach can be substituted if needed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Garlic powder can be used in a pinch)
• 1 egg (Flax egg or unsweetened applesauce can be used for a vegan option)
• 1 tsp salt (Adjust to your liking)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper (Adjust to your liking)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme)
• as needed Marinara sauce for serving (Use homemade or store-bought)

Cooking Instructions

Baking the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   This sets up a golden crust.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until combined.
   Avoid over-mixing.
   Mark as complete

3. Shape meatballs

   Aim for meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. A cookie scoop can help with consistency.
   Mark as complete

4. Prepare baking sheet

   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs on it, leaving space between each.
   This prevents sticking.
   Mark as complete

5. Bake meatballs

   Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and golden.
   Check for doneness by internal temperature reaching 165°F.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve with marinara sauce and enjoy.
   Great with crusty bread or pasta.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 250kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 90mg30%

Sodium 550mg23%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 15g5%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 5 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 15 mg

Iron 8 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 0 IU

Vitamin K 10 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 15 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 100 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Allow to cool before storing leftovers.

Keywords: chicken meatballs, Italian recipe, baked meatballs, comfort food