Save Indulge in these juicy chicken meatballs seasoned with spicy herbs, baked in zesty marinara sauce, and crowned with melted mozzarella. This dish offers a fiery twist on classic Chicken Parmesan, making it the perfect choice for a crowd-pleasing dinner that is both comforting and exciting.
Save Baking the meatballs directly in the marinara sauce ensures they stay incredibly moist while absorbing the rich flavors of the herbs and garlic. The finishing touch of bubbling mozzarella cheese creates that iconic Italian-American comfort we all love.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs: 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped), 2 tbsp hot sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- For Baking: 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce, 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, and 2 tbsp olive oil for greasing.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
- Step 2: Mix
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, hot sauce, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Step 3: Shape
- Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches each) and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 4: Sauce
- Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
- Step 5: First Bake
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Step 6: Cheese
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, and return to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 7: Serve
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the most tender results, avoid overworking the meat mixture when combining the ingredients. For those who enjoy extra heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily substitute ground turkey for the chicken if preferred. To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of the standard variety.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these spicy meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, tucked into toasted rolls for flavorful sandwiches, or alongside a simple green salad for a lighter dinner option.
Save With its perfect balance of spice, savory chicken, and melted cheese, these Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs are bound to become a new favorite in your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy the bold flavors and simple preparation!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Shape the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake them completely, cool, and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- → What makes these meatballs spicy?
The heat comes from hot sauce (Frank's RedHot or Sriracha work beautifully), smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level—reduce for mild or increase for extra fiery kick.
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey makes an excellent substitute. Keep in mind that turkey may be slightly leaner, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain juiciness. The cooking time remains the same.
- → How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. You'll also notice they feel firm to the touch and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden. If unsure, cut one open to verify it's cooked through with no pink remaining.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Simply swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your hot sauce and marinara labels to ensure they don't contain hidden gluten ingredients.
- → What's the best way to serve these meatballs?
These are incredibly versatile. Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic dinner. Pile onto toasted hoagie rolls with extra sauce for meatball subs. Or arrange on a platter with toothpicks for appetizer-style servings at parties.