Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not just a meal, but a cheesy, savory experience that will leave your taste buds dancing! These Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect fusion of comfort food and Italian cuisine, combining tender ground chicken with gooey mozzarella and rich marinara sauce. Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked meatball, only to discover a molten center of cheesy goodness! With just 50 minutes of your time, you can impress your family or guests with a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. Are you ready to dive into this mouthwatering recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cut mozzarella cheese into small 1/2-inch cubes, preparing them for the meatball centers.
- Take a small portion of the chicken mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cheese cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing completely to create a stuffed meatball.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and immediately spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top and return to oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set and prevent burning.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve hot with additional marinara sauce on the side.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh herbs and high-quality marinara sauce. This will elevate the taste of your meatballs significantly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the chicken mixture. This can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is incorporated.
- Keep Cheese Cold: Make sure your mozzarella cheese cubes are cold before wrapping them in the meat mixture. This helps them stay intact while cooking and ensures a gooey center.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to serve without losing the gooey center.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor of your dish. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
