Description
Deliciously cheesy and flavorful Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs baked to perfection with a zesty marinara sauce. These juicy meatballs feature a gooey mozzarella center and Italian herbs, making them a perfect main course for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Filling and Cooking
- 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, whole milk, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and moist.
- Stuff the Meatballs: Take a portion of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely to prevent leaking during baking. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella cubes.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the meatballs on all sides to develop flavor and help them hold their shape in the oven.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the browned meatballs in the skillet. If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for a subtle kick.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven at 400°F and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the mozzarella inside has melted and is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese to taste. These meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Ensure mozzarella is fully sealed inside each meatball to avoid cheese leakage while baking.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for chicken for a different flavor profile.
- For added flavor, include a pinch of crushed fennel seeds in the meat mixture.
- These meatballs go well with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
