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–+ servings

Baked Chicken Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Easy Mozzarella Chicken Meatballs)

Close-up of juicy baked chicken meatballs coated in tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese with browned, bubbly top
These baked chicken meatballs are juicy, easy, and baked in rich tomato sauce with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for pasta, meatball subs, and meal prep dinners the whole family will actually eat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 12 meatballs

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Finishing

  • 24 oz spaghetti sauce jarred or homemade
  • 8 oz sliced mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a large baking dish.
  • Mix the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground chicken, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  • Form the meatballs: Shape into 12 large meatballs (about two golf balls each) and place in the baking dish.
  • Bake: Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
  • Add sauce: Pour 24 oz spaghetti sauce over and around the meatballs.
  • Top with cheese: Lay 8 oz sliced mozzarella cheese over the top.
  • Bake again: Bake for 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  • Broil: Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and lightly browned.
  • Rest: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tips No One Tells You About Baked Chicken Meatballs

  • Slightly damp hands make rolling ground chicken meatballs much easier
  • Don’t pack meatballs tightly or they’ll turn dense
  • Bake just until done.. overbaking dries them out fast
  • Let meatballs rest before adding sauce so they hold shape
  • Always save extra sauce for serving.. chicken meatballs with sauce only get better