Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 Pound Ground Chicken (93/7)
- 1 Egg
- ½ Cup Italian Panko Breadcrumbs (or plain or gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
- ¾ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, divided
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Sauce & Topping
- 24 Ounce Jar Marinara Sauce (of choice)
- 1 Cup Grated Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs evenly.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Gently mix everything until just combined to maintain tender meatballs.
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour the marinara sauce evenly into the bottom of your baking dish, creating a flavorful base for the meatballs.
- Form and arrange meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the chicken mixture into 12 to 16 meatballs. Place them directly on top of the marinara sauce in the dish, spacing them evenly to allow for proper cooking.
- Add cheese topping and bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheeses are melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven, scatter fresh basil leaves on top for garnish, and serve hot over pasta or with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Ground chicken with a 93/7 lean ratio works best to retain moisture without excess fat.
- You can substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve with pasta, a salad, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American