Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs

Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs offer a fiery and flavorful upgrade to the classic Italian-American comfort dish. These juicy chicken meatballs are seasoned with a blend of spicy herbs and hot sauce, then baked in a zesty marinara until tender. Topped with a generous crown of melted mozzarella cheese, they provide a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness that is sure to please any crowd.

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Whether you are hosting a game day gathering or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, these meatballs are a fantastic choice. The combination of smoked paprika and hot sauce creates a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the melted cheese and the acidity of the marinara sauce.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs
• 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
• 2 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot or Sriracha)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For Baking
• 2 cups (500 ml) marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil (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 your meatballs stay juicy and tender, avoid overmixing the chicken mixture in the bowl. Use a large 9x13 inch baking dish to provide enough space for the marinara sauce to bubble and the cheese to melt evenly over every meatball.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who prefer a different protein, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for chicken. If you need a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also customize the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti for a classic meal, or tuck them into toasted rolls to create hearty meatball subs. They also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad for a lighter dinner option.

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At 390 calories and 34g of protein per serving, these Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs are as nutritious as they are delicious. Enjoy this fiery twist on an Italian-American favorite at your next dinner gathering.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from frozen.

→ What's the best way to prevent meatballs from becoming dry?

Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture, which can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Using ground chicken with a slightly higher fat content (dark meat) also helps keep them juicy. Don't overbake—remove them when they reach 165°F internally.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works as a direct substitute for ground chicken in this preparation. Keep in mind that turkey may have a slightly milder flavor, so you might want to increase the herbs and spices slightly to maintain the bold taste profile.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Simply replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Most marinara sauces are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label to be certain. The remaining ingredients (chicken, cheese, eggs, spices) are all naturally gluten-free.

→ What should I serve with these meatballs?

These versatile meatballs pair wonderfully with spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic. They also work in meatball sandwiches on toasted rolls, over polenta, or alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables.

→ How spicy are these meatballs?

As written, these meatballs have a moderate heat level that builds gently without being overwhelming. The combination of hot sauce, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes provides layers of warmth. For extra heat, double the hot sauce or pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1/4 teaspoon or omit the hot sauce entirely.