Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs

Experience a fiery twist on a classic Italian-American favorite with these Baked Spicy Chicken Parm Meatballs. Juicy ground chicken is seasoned with aromatic herbs and a kick of hot sauce, then baked in a zesty marinara sauce and crowned with a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. This high-protein dish is easy to prepare and perfect for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine with a crowd-pleasing meal.

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Whether you are hosting a dinner party or prepping for the week, these meatballs deliver all the comfort of Chicken Parmesan without the hassle of breading and frying individual cutlets.

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., Franks RedHot or Sriracha)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 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: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish (9x13 inches recommended) with olive oil.

Step 2: Mix the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, hot sauce, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Step 3: Shape and Arrange

Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs, approximately 1 1/2 inches each, and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Bake

Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Remove from the oven, sprinkle the shredded 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 6: Serve

Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To customize the heat level, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add an extra tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce. Using a small cookie scoop can help ensure all 16 meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey works as an excellent substitute for chicken. For those with dietary restrictions, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free-friendly.

Serviervorschläge

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti, tucked into toasted rolls for a spicy meatball sub, or alongside a simple garden salad for a lighter meal.

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Enjoy this modern, spicy take on a traditional favorite. It is a satisfying, high-protein dinner that brings together bold spices and classic comfort in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

→ How spicy are these meatballs?

The heat level is moderate with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by reducing or increasing the hot sauce and pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Ground turkey works well as a substitute for ground chicken in this dish. The texture and cooking time remain the same, though the flavor will be slightly milder.

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

These versatile meatballs shine over spaghetti with extra marinara, nestled in toasted rolls for sandwiches, or plated alongside a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The meatballs should also feel firm to the touch and the cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Double-check that your hot sauce and marinara sauce are certified gluten-free as well.