Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

We’re big meatball fans in my house.

Usually I stick to my same old beef meatball recipe with white or brown gravy and serve it with baked potatoes.  And don’t get me wrong – it’s delicious, plus Dude and Spud will eat them!  But sometime I need a little change of pace.

Chicken parmesan meatballs are perfect for two reasons.  One, it’s a very different take on my usual beef meatballs and two, I’m far too lazy to make actual chicken parmesan – so this is a great cheater recipe!

These meatballs are easy, delicious, and a crowd pleaser! 

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Adapted slightly from Fantastical Sharing of Recipes

1.25 lb ground chicken (or turkey)

½ cup breadcrumbs

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

2 tbsp onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 egg

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp dried parsley

Salt & pepper

1 (28 oz) jar spaghetti sauce, heated, divided

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Shredded mozzarella cheese

12 oz pasta, cooked al dente

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or foil.

Thoroughly mix together the ground chicken, bread crumbs, parmesan, onion, garlic, egg, lemon juice, parsley, and salt & pepper.  Gently form into approximately 18 meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Stir together the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce.  Brush the mixture onto the top of each meatball.  Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until cooked though.

Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of cheese on top of each meatball and return to the oven for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.

Serve the meatballs in a bowl over pasta and sauce.

Serves 4