Chicken Parmigiana Meatballs Offer Familiar Flavor in Easy Weeknight Dish

Sarah's recipe combines two Italian favorites into a simple, delicious meal.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:47am

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Chicken parmigiana is a family favorite, but the traditional dish can be time-consuming. This recipe for Chicken Parmigiana Meatballs offers all the flavors of the classic dish in a much simpler, easier-to-prepare format. The meatballs are baked in tomato sauce and then topped with melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs for a comforting and satisfying weeknight meal.

Why it matters

Chicken parmigiana is a beloved Italian-American dish, but the multi-step process can make it feel like a big project, especially on busy weeknights. This meatball version provides the same great taste in a much more approachable and time-efficient format, making it an ideal solution for families looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly.

The details

The meatballs are made with ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, and herbs. After being formed into 1-inch balls, they are baked directly in a casserole dish filled with tomato sauce. Once cooked through, the meatballs are topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, as well as a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, before being broiled until golden brown and bubbly. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, making this an easy weeknight option.

  • The meatballs can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.

The players

Sarah Nasello

The author of the weekly 'Home with the Lost Italian' column, which features recipes by her husband, Tony Nasello.

Tony Nasello

Sarah's husband, who provides the recipes featured in the 'Home with the Lost Italian' column.

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What they’re saying

“Chicken parmigiana is a staple in my family's dinner repertoire, but it's not always a dish I want to tackle on a busy weeknight. These meatballs offer a terrific alternative when pressed for time.”

— Sarah Nasello

The takeaway

This recipe for Chicken Parmigiana Meatballs provides a delicious and time-saving alternative to the traditional chicken parmigiana dish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a comforting, family-friendly meal without the hassle.