Chicken parmesan meatballs

Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with our Chicken Parm Meatballs! Made with juicy chicken thighs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and a hint of lemon zest, these delicious meatballs are perfect for any meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, they pair beautifully with your favorite pasta sauce. Enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free dish that the whole family will love!

  • 15 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 20 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 11 Ingredients

Chicken parmesan meatballs

Chicken Parm Meatballs are a delightful, healthier take on the classic chicken parmesan dish. By using simple and fresh ingredients like chicken thighs, parmesan cheese, and a variety of seasonings, you can create a delicious meal that feels indulgent without the extra calories. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, these meatballs are both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients:

16 oz chicken thighs
450g
1/2 cup bread crumbs
55g
1 egg
54g
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
50g
1/2 tbsp fresh parsley
1.90g
1 tbsp garlic
8g
1/2 onion
54g
1/2 tsp salt
3g
1/2 tsp white pepper
1.20g
1 tsp lemon zest
2g
1 cup pasta sauce
260g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Thighs:
- Remove any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into smaller pieces suitable for processing.
- Using a food processor, grind the chicken thighs until they form a coarse mixture. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
- To the bowl with ground chicken, add bread crumbs, egg, grated parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, white pepper, and lemon zest.
- Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. You may use your hands or a large spoon for better incorporation.
3. Forming the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Using a small ice cream scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs. Place the meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
5. Add the Sauce:
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the pasta sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. You want it warm and ready to coat the meatballs when they come out of the oven.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
- Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish and pour the warm pasta sauce over them, ensuring each meatball is well-coated.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot over pasta, with a side salad, or as an appetizer.

Tips:

- For a lighter version, you can use ground chicken breast instead of chicken thighs.

- To ensure the meatballs hold together, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before shaping into balls.

- If you prefer a more intense flavor, use aged parmesan cheese.

- You can make a double batch and freeze the extras for a quick and easy meal later on.

- If you want a crispy outer layer, try broiling the meatballs for the last few minutes of cooking.

Now that you've prepared your Chicken Parm Meatballs, you can enjoy a flavorful and healthier meal with your loved ones. Serve them over a bed of pasta, a side of roasted vegetables, or even on their own as an appetizer. These meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size160 grams
Energy
Calories 280kcal14%
Protein
Protein 18g12%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 12g4%
Fiber 1.40g4%
Sugar 3.49g3%
Fat
Fat 16g20%
Saturated 5g17%
Cholesterol 120mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 70ug8%
Choline 72mg14%
Vitamin B1 0.17mg14%
Vitamin B2 0.24mg19%
Vitamin B3 6mg36%
Vitamin B6 0.39mg23%
Vitamin B9 27ug7%
Vitamin B12 0.71ug29%
Vitamin C 2.17mg2%
Vitamin E 1.34mg9%
Vitamin K 14ug11%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 120mg9%
Copper, Cu 0.11mg12%
Iron, Fe 1.55mg14%
Magnesium, Mg 30mg7%
Phosphorus, P 220mg18%
Potassium, K 360mg11%
Selenium, Se 24ug42%
Sodium, Na 660mg44%
Zinc, Zn 1.71mg16%
Water
Water 110g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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