Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs

Experience a fiery twist on an Italian-American classic with these Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs. Juicy ground chicken is seasoned with smoky paprika and hot sauce, then nestled in a zesty marinara sauce and crowned with a layer of bubbly, melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is the perfect crowd-pleasing dinner for anyone who loves the comfort of chicken parm with an extra kick of heat.

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Ready in just 50 minutes, these meatballs are as simple to make as they are delicious. By baking them directly in the sauce, the chicken stays incredibly moist while the cheese gets perfectly golden and bubbly on top.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: 1 lb (450 g)
• Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50 g)
• Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (25 g)
• Egg: 1 large
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried)
• Hot sauce: 2 tbsp (e.g., Frank's RedHot or Sriracha)
• Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
• Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Kosher salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Marinara sauce: 2 cups (500 ml)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups (150 g)
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp (for greasing)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2

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 mixture into 16 meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches each) and place them evenly in the greased baking dish.

Step 4

Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, covering them well.

Step 5

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 6

Remove from oven, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, and return to oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 7

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, avoid overmixing the chicken mixture, which can make the meatballs tough. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can substitute ground turkey for ground chicken if you prefer. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of standard ones.

Serviervorschläge

These meatballs are delicious served over a bed of spaghetti, tucked into toasted rolls for hearty meatball subs, or paired with a simple green salad for a lighter meal.

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Bring a bold new flavor to your dinner table with these Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs. They are easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to satisfy any craving for a spicy Italian-style meal.

Kitchen Guide

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. Shape the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

→ How spicy are these meatballs?

The heat level is medium. Two tablespoons of hot sauce plus red pepper flakes provide a noticeable kick without overwhelming the flavors. Reduce hot sauce to one tablespoon or omit red pepper flakes for a milder version.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the zesty seasonings. Cooking time remains the same.

→ What's the best way to serve these meatballs?

Serve over spaghetti or penne for a complete Italian-American dinner. They also make excellent sandwiches on toasted rolls or garlic bread. For a lighter option, pair with a simple arugula salad or roasted vegetables.

→ How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Visual cues include bubbly mozzarella and meatballs that feel firm when pressed. If cutting one open, the center should be opaque throughout, not pink.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your hot sauce and marinara labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives.