Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Mixture

01 - 500 g ground chicken
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 60 g panko bread crumbs
04 - 30 g freshly grated parmesan cheese
05 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ For Baking & Assembly

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 450 ml marinara sauce
12 - 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko, parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand or with a spatula until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
03 - Portion the mixture into balls about 2.5–4 cm in diameter. Roll gently between your palms for uniform shape.
04 - Lightly brush the bottom of an oven-safe skillet or baking dish with olive oil. Place the formed meatballs in an even layer, taking care not to overcrowd.
05 - Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each is well coated.
06 - Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 74°C (165°F).
07 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the baked meatballs. Return the dish to the hot oven and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - If the meat mixture is too sticky, chill it for 20 minutes before shaping to ensure meatballs hold their form.
02 - Using freshly shredded cheese improves melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
03 - Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking; a cookie scoop helps maintain consistency.
04 - For extra tender meatballs, moisten the panko with a splash of milk before mixing with the chicken.
05 - Check doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juicy texture.