Cheesy Baked Chicken Meatballs

Cheesy Baked Chicken Meatballs

ByVerj Recipes

You know those meals that instantly make the whole kitchen smell like something good is happening? These cheesy baked chicken meatballs are exactly that kind of comfort food. They’re warm, saucy, and topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella that gets all bubbly and golden in the oven. The best part is that they feel a little indulgent, but they’re made with ground chicken, so they’re still light enough for a weeknight.

This is the dish I make when I want something cozy but don’t want to babysit a pan on the stove. You mix, roll, bake, and then let the oven do the magic. And when you pull them out for that final cheesy broil? The little sizzle and stretch of melty mozzarella is honestly hard to beat.

Perfect for pasta night, game day snacking, or that “I need something comforting ASAP” mood.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)

  • 1 large egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)

  • 1 cup marinara sauce

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan with olive oil. This helps the meatballs brown nicely and keeps cleanup easy.

2. Mix the Meatballs

In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.

Mix gently until everything comes together. Try not to overmix — the more you handle it, the tougher meatballs can get. We want tender, juicy bites.

3. Shape and Arrange

Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 2–3 tablespoons each. Place them in your prepared dish with a little space between each one so they bake instead of steam.

4. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and fully cooked. If you like using a thermometer, aim for 165°F (74°C) in the center.

5. Sauce + Cheese Moment

Take the meatballs out of the oven and spoon marinara over each one. Don’t worry about being perfectly neat — a little sauce dripped around the pan just makes it more inviting.

Now shower them with mozzarella. Generously. This is the “cheesy baked” part, and it’s the best part.

6. Broil to Finish

Pop the pan back in and broil for 2–4 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden in spots. Keep an eye on it — broilers work fast.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and serve right away while everything is hot and melty.

Presentation

If you want these to look extra cozy and dinner-party worthy, serve them right in the baking dish — bubbling sauce and browned cheese always gets oohs and aahs. A final sprinkle of parsley adds a fresh pop of green, and a little extra Parmesan on top never hurts.

For sides, you’ve got options:

  • Over pasta for a classic comfort bowl

  • With crusty bread to scoop up every bit of sauce (highly recommended)

  • On rice for a simple, hearty plate

  • Or even as an appetizer with toothpicks — they disappear fast

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 350 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings

Conclusion

These cheesy baked chicken meatballs are one of those reliable, crowd-pleasing recipes you’ll come back to again and again. They’re easy, cozy, and packed with flavor — and that gooey mozzarella finish makes them feel like a treat every single time.

If you’ve got 40 minutes and a craving for something warm and saucy, make these soon. Your future self (and anyone you’re feeding) will be very happy.

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