Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet Recipe
When nostalgia and comfort food collide, you end up with a decadent Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet. This dish awakens fond memories of family dinners and cozy nights in, where each bite offers warm, cheesy, savory goodness that wraps around you like a warm blanket. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick weeknight meal or simply craving a dish that hits all the right notes, this Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet is sure to satisfy. With its crispy, golden-brown meatballs smothered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, it’s an indulgent staple that deserves a spot on your table.
Are You Ready for the Ultimate Comfort Food Experience?
Imagine sitting down to a plate filled with juicy chicken meatballs drenched in marinara sauce and bubbling under a blanket of gooey cheese. Now, picture the satisfying crunch as your fork cuts through the crispy, cheesy top layer, releasing a mouthwatering steam of savory aroma. Doesn’t that sound like a moment worth savoring? The real question is: how can you resist making this Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet tonight?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet isn’t just another recipe—it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that promises to deliver on several fronts.
- Easy Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this masterpiece, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Healthy Choice: Ground chicken keeps this dish lighter while still offering that robust flavor we crave.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or entertaining friends, this recipe will leave your guests raving.
- Minimal Ingredients: You won’t have to scour the pantry for elaborate components.
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that checks all the boxes!
Ingredients
1 lb. ground chicken
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
In this dish, every ingredient contributes to the overall symphony of flavors. The ground chicken becomes the canvas upon which we paint this masterpiece. As you mix in the bread crumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, and vibrant parsley, you’ll start to envision the golden-brown meatballs that will soon fill your home with irresistible aromas.
Timing
This Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet strikes the perfect balance between fast and indulgent. In just 30-40 minutes, you can present a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The beauty lies in the juxtaposition of quick preparation and a luxurious experience that feels utterly satisfying.
Step-by-Step
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully baked, gooey finish.
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, half the minced garlic, and egg. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until fully combined. You want to feel the textures blend—the crunch of the breadcrumbs, the smoothness of the chicken, and the aromatic influence of garlic.
Form the mixture into meatballs. The anticipation of rolling these plump, moist meatballs is almost as exciting as the final dish itself.
In a large oven-proof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place the meatballs into the skillet and brown each side for about 5 minutes, creating a perfectly crispy exterior.
Transfer to a plate. Allow them to rest while you work on the sauce.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Stir in the rest of the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. This is where the magic begins, as the aroma fills your kitchen and makes your stomach rumble.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to marry perfectly.
Return the meatballs to the skillet. Nestle them into that bubbling sauce like cozy clouds, then top generously with shredded mozzarella.
Bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, approximately 10 more minutes. The sight of molten cheese bubbling over golden meatballs is pure comfort on a plate.
Garnish with more parsley before serving. You can practically hear the cheers of those around the table.
Nutritional Information
While indulgence is the name of the game, it’s nice to know you can enjoy this dish without remorse. Each serving of Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet contains approximately 350 calories. Perfect for a satisfying meal, it allows occasional indulgence without sacrificing your health goals.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to lighten things up or cater to dietary restrictions, consider the following swaps:
- Bread Crumbs: Use whole-grain or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthier twist.
- Cheese: Opt for low-fat mozzarella to reduce calorie intake.
- Ground Chicken: Swap ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lower-calorie option.
Serving Suggestions
While this Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet is perfect on its own, why not elevate your dining experience? Serve it over a bed of spaghetti or with warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. For those special occasions, finishing with a scoop of rich, creamy ice cream afterward will turn your meal into a pleasurable experience that lingers.
Common Mistakes
Even the best chefs stumble upon a few pitfalls in the kitchen. Avoid these mistakes when making your Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet to ensure delicious results:
- Overbaking: Check for doneness rather than relying solely on time; your cheese should be melted but not overcooked.
- Texture Issues: Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, or they can turn out dense.
- Creating Messes: Use a spatula to flip meatballs gently and prevent splattering during browning.
Storing Tips
This dish not only serves as a delightful dinner but also makes for great leftovers. Here are some helpful storage tips:
- Freezing Portions: Allow the dish to cool, then portion into airtight containers. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet wafting through your home—a sensory dream that truly whispers comfort. Grab your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that not only satisfies but also evokes happy memories of family feasts and cozy gatherings. Don’t wait; this comforting classic is begging to be added to your dinner rotation!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for the meatballs?
Yes! Just make sure to handle it properly when defrosting for safety.Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, then bake when you’re ready to serve.What should I serve with this dish?
A crisp salad or garlic bread would make excellent accompaniments.Can I add vegetables?
Feel free to throw in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.Does this recipe work well for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep as it stores and reheats beautifully.
Enjoy the comfort of Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet right from your kitchen and create lasting memories with every savory bite!
Print
Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A nostalgic Chicken Parm Meatball Skillet featuring juicy chicken meatballs in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, half the minced garlic, and egg. Season with salt and pepper, mixing until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs.
- In a large oven-proof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Place the meatballs into the skillet and brown each side for about 5 minutes.
- Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and allow them to rest.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil to the skillet. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, then top with shredded mozzarella.
- Bake until cheese is melted and chicken is no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with more parsley before serving.
Notes
Serve with spaghetti or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. This dish makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
