Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 egg; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce (from a jar); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

If you love all things Italian but want a fun, shareable twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe. I absolutely love how these juicy meatballs soak up the marinara, then get all gooey under a blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or bringing an appetizer to a party, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier Comfort Food: Using ground chicken makes these meatballs lighter but still packed with protein and flavor.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your kitchen, making it an easy weeknight winner.
One-Dish Wonder: Bake everything in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor soaking.
Family Favorite: My crew goes crazy for these; sometimes I have to hide extras before the kids find them!

A white bowl holds three round meatballs covered in red tomato sauce, with melted cheese strings stretching from one meatball. One meatball is cut in half, showing a light brown inside texture. A silver fork pokes into the bowl from the right side. Near the bowl is a small white dish filled with a heap of shredded white cheese. In the background, there is a white baking dish slightly visible with more meatballs in tomato sauce. The surface underneath everything is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, Italian meatball recipe, healthy chicken meatballs, baked meatball appetizers, cheesy chicken meatballs

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together for so much flavor and texture. Using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs keeps it gluten-free and adds a subtle nutty crunch that I adore. Don’t skimp on the parmesan; it really amps up that cheesy, savory essence.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh, pale pink ground chicken, one whole clean brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely ground almond flour, a small white ceramic bowl with finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl containing a vibrant red marinara sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded white mozzarella cheese, a few whole black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of pale beige onion powder, and a small pinch of coarse white salt crystals, all arranged with perfect symmetry in a balanced layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, Italian meatball recipe, healthy chicken meatballs, baked meatball appetizers, cheesy chicken meatballs

Ground chicken: Lean and tender, it makes a healthier alternative to beef but still juicy when baked right.
Egg: Acts as the binder to hold your meatballs together, so don’t skip it.
Almond flour: My go-to for a gluten-free option that provides a great texture.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty punch inside the meatballs.
Garlic, minced: Nothing beats fresh garlic for that classic Italian aroma.
Onion powder: Sneaks in savory depth without the fuss of chopping fresh onions.
Salt and pepper: The simplest seasoning that balances all the flavors.
Marinara sauce: I like a good quality jar to save time, but homemade works just as well.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, bubbly topping you’ll want every time.
Parmesan cheese (extra): To sprinkle on top and create a golden crust.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe is super adaptable depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. You can easily swap out ingredients or add your own flair. It’s one of those recipes that feels personal every time I make it!

Spicy Twist: I sometimes add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix for a little kick, and my family loves it!
Herb Boost: Fresh basil or oregano stirred into the meatball mixture brightens the flavor beautifully.
Cheese Swap: Use pecorino instead of parmesan for a sharper taste or fontina for a creamier melt.
Gluten-Free & Low Carb: Using almond flour makes this recipe great if you’re avoiding gluten or carbs, and it turns out just as delicious.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape Your Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F — a hot oven makes all the difference for nicely browned meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, almond flour, grated parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I find mixing by hand gives me the best control—just don’t overmix or the meatballs might become dense. Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs; this size bakes perfectly in about 25-30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a cast iron skillet or your preferred baking dish. I love using a cast iron skillet because it gets hot evenly and looks great on the table. Then place the meatballs right on top of the sauce—don’t crowd them too much to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining marinara over the meatballs, brushing some gently on each one so they stay saucy and moist while baking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the extra parmesan cheese evenly on top. This cheese will melt and brown beautifully while baking. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. A meat thermometer is your best kitchen friend here to avoid under or overcooking.

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Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

Don’t Skip the Thermometer: Measuring the internal temp ensures juicy, safe chicken meatballs every time—no guesswork.
Let the Mixture Rest: After mixing, I like to let the meatball mixture chill 15 minutes in the fridge to firm up and hold shape better when baked.
Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded bags—worth the little extra effort!
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the meatballs enough space in the dish for proper baking and browning; crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe

A white bowl holds a serving of spaghetti with three large meatballs on top. The bottom layer is a nest of light yellow spaghetti noodles. Above that is a thick layer of chunky red tomato sauce draped over the noodles. On top sit three round meatballs covered in melted, slightly browned white cheese. Thin strands of shredded cheese are sprinkled over the meatballs and sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some loose strands of cheese nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, Italian meatball recipe, healthy chicken meatballs, baked meatball appetizers, cheesy chicken meatballs

Garnishes

I love topping these meatballs with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. A little cracked black pepper and extra shaved parmesan on top just before serving takes them over the top. Sometimes I even drizzle a bit of good olive oil for that silky finish.

Side Dishes

For a classic feel, serve this dish over spaghetti or zucchini noodles. My family also enjoys it alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that marinara. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli pair beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served these on skewers with marinara dipping sauce on the side—everyone loved grabbing a cheesy meatball bite. Or spoon the meatballs over polenta for a rustic, elegant twist. You can even bake them smaller to serve as finger foods at game day or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve found they actually taste better the next day once the flavors meld. Just keep the sauce and meatballs together so they don’t dry out.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or freeze leftovers, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag with sauce. They freeze beautifully and can last up to 3 months. To avoid freezer burn, I wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap before sealing.

Reheating

To reheat, bake them covered at 350°F until warmed through, or pop in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. I like reheating in the oven better because the cheese stays melty and the meatballs don’t dry out.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will give a similar light texture. Keep in mind turkey might be a bit leaner, so watch your baking time to avoid drying the meatballs out.
Is almond flour absolutely necessary, or can I use breadcrumbs?

You can definitely swap almond flour for breadcrumbs if you prefer or don’t have almond flour on hand. Just note that almond flour adds a nice moist texture and subtle flavor, and it keeps the recipe gluten-free.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 165°F for chicken. This guarantees the meatballs are juicy and safely cooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs makes the recipe gluten-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Recipe holds such a special place in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and surprisingly easy to make. It’s the kind of dish I reach for when craving something classic but a little different. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family does — trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds, and you’ll feel like the star cook you are!