Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a delicious twist, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole! Imagine everything you love about classic chicken parmesan—juicy meat, tangy tomato sauce, melty cheese—rolled into tender meatballs, then baked together until everything is bubbling and golden. It’s the perfect one-pan wonder that brings simple ingredients together for maximum flavor, and it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re eager to meal-prep, feed a crowd, or just treat yourself to something extra special, this casserole never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole lies in how each ingredient adds its own touch—whether it’s moisture, savoriness, or that irresistible cheesy stretch. Here’s what you’ll need, with a quick note on why each one matters!

• Ground chicken: Lean, mild, and perfect for absorbing all the Italian flavors in this casserole.
• Eggs: Work as a binder, keeping your meatballs tender and moist instead of dry or crumbly.
• Almond meal: Adds a subtle nuttiness and keeps things lower-carb; breadcrumbs or more Parmesan work just as well for another twist.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the entire dish with classic aromatic notes.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors, so don’t skimp!
• Coarsely ground black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and depth to the meatballs.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Because what’s an Italian-inspired dish without plenty of fresh garlic?
• Grated onion: Adds sweetness and moisture, so your meatballs stay juicy.
• Ricotta cheese: The secret to feather-light meatballs—it melts in and makes everything so tender.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Salty, nutty, and crucial for flavor in both the meatballs and the crispy topping.
• Olive oil: Brushing the meatballs helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
• Marinara sauce: Go for a high-quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade version for the best flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: That stretchy, gooey top layer everyone looks forward to in a great Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining all the meatball ingredients—ground chicken, eggs, almond meal, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic, onion, ricotta, and Parmesan—in a large bowl. Gently mix everything together with a fork or your hands, just until incorporated. The mixture will be moist, but that’s the trick for juicy meatballs! Try not to overwork the blend, as this keeps the meatballs light and tender.

Step 2: Form and Chill the Meatballs

Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, portion out half-cup mounds of the chicken mixture and roll them into generous balls. Place each meatball in a large casserole dish or on a baking sheet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you’re prepping ahead). This chill time helps the flavors meld and gives the meatballs a sturdier texture that will hold up during baking.

Step 3: Prepare and Brown the Meatballs

Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush the bottom of your baking dish with olive oil. If you want a little extra crisp, roll each meatball in extra almond meal or breadcrumbs before arranging in a single layer in the casserole. Brush the tops of the meatballs generously with olive oil—this encourages a lovely golden brown finish.

Step 4: First Bake

Bake the meatballs uncovered for 20 minutes. By now, they’ll have started to set and develop a bit of golden crust, which adds a subtle texture to the casserole layers.

Step 5: Add Sauce

Pour your marinara sauce evenly over the baked meatballs, making sure each one gets a nice blanket of tomato goodness. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. The sauce mingles with the rendered juices from the meatballs, infusing everything with deep, savory flavor.

Step 6: Cheese Topping and Final Bake

Sprinkle mozzarella (and more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent) all over the top, and then bake until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly—about 5 to 10 more minutes. For a browned, bubbly top, broil for 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye so nothing burns. At this point, your Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole is gloriously gooey and ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

Finish your Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole with a shower of fresh basil ribbons, a handful of chopped parsley, or an extra grate of Parmesan cheese. These little extras give a pop of color and a final burst of flavor that makes each serving irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your casserole with a crisp, refreshing green salad (think arugula or spinach with lemon vinaigrette), some garlicky sautéed veggies, or even classic garlic bread. These sides help balance the dish, making for a well-rounded, satisfying dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual meatballs on toasted ciabatta rolls as hearty sandwiches, or spoon a few over zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version. You can even portion the Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole into mini ramekins for an elegant dinner party starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and label with the date. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. To freeze the entire casserole, just wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until steamy, or bake larger amounts in a covered dish at 350°F until heated through. If you want the cheese topping to crisp up again, uncover and broil for a minute right before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can form and chill the meatballs up to a day in advance or assemble the entire casserole (up to adding the cheese) and store in the refrigerator. Just bake and finish with cheese when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes—ground turkey, pork, or even beef all work well in this recipe. Each brings its own unique flavor, but you’ll still get that signature Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole comfort in every bite.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Definitely. Almond meal is naturally gluten-free, but you can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’d like. Just double-check your marinara sauce to make sure there’s no hidden gluten.

What’s the best way to get golden-brown cheese on top?

For that irresistible bubbly, browned top, place the casserole under your oven’s broiler for a minute or two at the end. Just keep an eye on it—the cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole is a fantastic choice for gatherings! Simply double all the ingredients and use two large dishes, rotating them halfway through for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine or impress friends with something truly comforting, you have to give Chicken Parmesan Meatball Casserole a try. It’s simple, adaptable, and loaded with all the flavors you crave—there’s just nothing quite like it! Grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a weeknight dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

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