Easy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are the ultimate easy dinner recipe. Made with all gluten-free and grain-free ingredients for an easy 30 minute meal to make.

We are obsessed with making chicken parm meatballs over here. They are such a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of chicken parm but in a new way. My kids devour these, my husband requests them all the time and they are ready in just 30 minutes. So needless to say – it’s a winning recipe over here.

You can serve these with pasta, on bread like a chicken parm sub, with veggies, over zoodles, anything you want! So feel free to go with whatever you are craving. I also like to keep some of these in the freezer too as an easy meal to defrost when we don’t know what to eat for dinner. You can easily double this recipe to make more meatballs too!

I also like to crisp these on a pan first then bake them in the oven until fully cooked. That way the meatballs get browned and crisped up a bit before baking.

Tip: feel free to double this recipe to make more meatballs and stash some in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

There’s something about chicken parm that’s just so nostalgic. Whether you grew up with it as a weeknight staple or ordered it every time you went to an Italian restaurant, it’s one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table happy. And turning it into meatballs? Even better. Here’s why we make these on repeat:

• One-bowl recipe: Just mix, roll, and bake. No complicated steps.

• No frying necessary: These meatballs are baked, not fried, for less mess and a lighter dish.

• Gluten-free and family-friendly: We use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, but no one will ever notice the swap.

• Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for another night.

• Versatile: Serve over spaghetti, zucchini noodles, in grain bowls, or on their own.

And let’s be honest, melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender meatballs are always a winning combo—especially when fresh basil and parmesan are involved.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these chicken parmesan meatballs—most of it you probably already have in your kitchen:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, cheese, flour, egg, spices and mix all together
2. Form the mixture into small meatballs (about the size of a golf ball) If time allows, add to fridge to set for 30 minutes or even overnight if you can
3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet with medium heat and oil well
4. Once oil is hot, add meatballs to skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes on each side (don’t overcrowd meatballs so you may need to cook in batches depending on skillet size)
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and pour sauce over meatballs
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked through
7. Remove from oven and add basil on top and extra parmesan cheese! You can serve with any desired sides or veggies

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Meatballs

• Use a cookie scoop for even-sized meatballs and consistent baking.

• Don’t skip the parmesan—it adds flavor and saltiness that almond flour alone can’t provide.

• Want more flavor? Add a few tablespoons of finely chopped onion or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture.

• No almond flour? You can sub with oat flour or a mix of gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.

• Meal prep tip: You can form the meatballs ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Variations and Serving Ideas

These chicken parmesan meatballs are totally customizable depending on your mood, preferences, or what’s in your pantry. Here are a few of our favorite ways to change things up:

• Make them dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan, and opt for your favorite dairy-free mozzarella.

• Add greens: Finely chop a handful of spinach or kale and mix it into the meatball mixture for extra nutrients.

• Serve with zoodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.

• Make meatball subs: Toast up some gluten-free rolls, load them with meatballs, sauce, and cheese, and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly.

• Turn them into sliders: Serve on mini buns for a fun party snack or dinner for kids.

How to Store and Reheat

This recipe makes excellent leftovers, and they’re even better the next day!

• Fridge: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing them with the sauce but without the cheese topping so it doesn’t get rubbery when reheated.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these with ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well in this recipe. Use a higher-fat blend for juicier meatballs (look for 93/7 instead of 99% lean).

Are these low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes! Since we’re using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, these meatballs are naturally low in carbs. Just skip the pasta and serve with veggies or a simple side salad if you’re keeping it keto.

Can I air-fry these meatballs?
You can! Air fry the meatballs at 375°F for about 12–14 minutes until cooked through, then transfer them to a baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, and broil in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Why These Will Be a New Family Favorite

Between the cheesy topping, the rich tomato sauce, and the perfectly seasoned meatballs, this dish brings all the classic chicken parm flavors in a fun, cozy way. And it’s the kind of meal that everyone—toddlers, teens, adults—will actually look forward to eating.

Even better? These chicken parmesan meatballs are simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to serve for Sunday dinner. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Whether you make them for meal prep, date night in, or a quick dinner before soccer practice, they’re always a hit.

A few other delicious family dinner ideas to make:

EASY Sheet Pan Quesadillas

The Easiest No-Boil Baked Pasta Recipe (gluten-free)

Insanely Good Basil Cashew Chicken Bowls (gluten-free)

Easy Gluten-free Pasta Primavera Recipe