Save Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs are a mouthwatering fusion of zesty flavors and classic Italian-American comfort. These juicy meatballs are inspired by the heat of a spicy chicken sandwich, baked in a rich marinara sauce, and finished with a blanket of gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. It is a satisfying and flavorful twist on a traditional favorite.
Save This recipe is an excellent choice for those looking to spice up their dinner routine without the hassle of individual chicken breading. By browning the meatballs first and then finishing them in the oven, you achieve a perfect balance of texture and moisture, making them a crowd-pleasing main dish.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- For Baking:
- 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, and hot sauce. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 3
- With damp hands, form the mixture into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) meatballs and place them on a plate or tray (makes about 16).
- Step 4
- Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown for 2–3 minutes per side, working in batches if necessary. (They do not need to be cooked through.)
- Step 5
- Spread half the marinara sauce in the prepared baking dish. Arrange browned meatballs on top. Spoon the remaining sauce over the meatballs.
- Step 6
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Step 7
- Remove from oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs, and return to oven. Bake for another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Step 8
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the most tender meatballs, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Using damp hands while rolling helps prevent the chicken from sticking to your skin, making the process much smoother. Always use a thermometer to confirm they have reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a different poultry option, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for chicken. For those requiring a gluten-free meal, simply replace the standard breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternative. You can also adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne and hot sauce.
Serviervorschläge
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti for a classic feel, alongside buttery garlic bread, or tucked inside toasted hoagie rolls to create a spicy meatball sub sandwich.
Save With their perfect balance of heat, herb-infused chicken, and bubbling cheese, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy the comforting warmth and spicy kick of this Italian-American fusion dish!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Form and brown the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate until ready to bake, then add sauce and cheese when cooking. They also freeze well before or after baking.
- → What's the best way to prevent dry chicken meatballs?
Don't overmix the mixture, use damp hands when forming, and avoid overcooking. The hot sauce and marinara help retain moisture during baking.
- → Can I air fry instead of baking?
Yes. Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, add sauce and cheese, then continue 3-4 minutes until melted. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
Reduce cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon or omit entirely for mild heat. For extra kick, increase hot sauce to 3 tablespoons or add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- → What should I serve with these meatballs?
Classic pairings include spaghetti, crusty garlic bread, or soft hoagie rolls for sandwiches. They also work over polenta, risotto, or zucchini noodles for lighter options.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead?
Ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. It has slightly less fat, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for optimal juiciness.