If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, look no further than this One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe. It’s everything you want in a dinner: juicy, tender chicken meatballs kissed with garlic and Parmesan, simmered in a rich marinara sauce, and all cooked in a single skillet. This recipe is a game changer for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free but impressive dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each one plays a crucial role: from the ground chicken providing lean protein, to the Parmesan adding a savory punch, and the fresh parsley bringing a vibrant pop of green freshness.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean and tender base for those juicy meatballs.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them light.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful salty, nutty flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the meat with a beautiful aromatic depth.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Gives freshness and a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the meatballs to a golden brown crust.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Creates a luscious, tangy tomato bath for simmering.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps thin the sauce slightly for even cooking.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Meatball Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients in a large bowl. Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so keep it light and loving. Then, shape your mixture into nice, round 1-inch meatballs. This step sets the stage for juicy, tender bites.
Step 2: Sear the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the meatballs carefully in the pan, making sure not to crowd them so they brown evenly. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until you see a gorgeous golden crust all around. This initial sear locks in the juices and adds a rich, caramelized flavor that you cannot skip.
Step 3: Simmer in Sauce
Next, pour in the marinara sauce and water, gently stirring to coat all those beautiful meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the magic happen. Simmer everything for 10 to 12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The sauce will deepen in flavor, becoming thick and luscious as it hugs each meatball.
How to Serve One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish from great to show-stopping. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds color and a burst of fresh herbal notes. If you like a bit more indulgence, a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan just before serving brings an irresistible richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with classic pasta for a hearty Italian-inspired meal. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside steamed rice or creamy mashed potatoes that soak up the flavorful marinara. A crisp green salad also complements the richness of the meatballs, balancing the plate with fresh textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try serving these meatballs on toasted garlic bread as an appetizer or slider. Alternatively, pile them on top of zoodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, veggie-packed dinner. Kids love having these on a skewer with some mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes on the side—perfect for a fun family dinner or party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pop your leftover meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner a breeze to reheat and enjoy without any extra prep.
Freezing
One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe adapts wonderfully to freezing. After cooking, allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave them covered in short increments, stirring in between to maintain juiciness. Avoid overheating to keep that tender texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a perfect substitute that will yield similar juicy, flavorful meatballs. Just keep an eye on cooking times as turkey may cook a bit faster.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well. Then this One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe fits nicely into a gluten-free diet.
How do I make this dairy-free?
No problem—just leave out the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. The meatballs will still be moist and packed with flavor.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can form the meatballs and store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes for easy meal prep when you want to save time on busy days.
What can I serve with these meatballs for a quick dinner?
Pairing these with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple salad makes for a satisfying, quick dinner that can come together in under 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe are a true kitchen winner—simple, delicious, and wonderfully comforting. Once you try how easy it is to create juicy, flavorful meatballs with minimal cleanup, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners. So grab your skillet, invite some loved ones to the table, and savor every bite of this ultimate one-pan wonder!
Print
One Pan Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
One Pan Chicken Meatballs is a quick and delicious American main course perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken meatballs are seared in a skillet and then simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce, making cleanup a breeze with just one pan. This recipe is customizable with options for dairy-free or gluten-free ingredients, and the meatballs freeze well for meal prep convenience.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned, which will help lock in flavor and texture.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the marinara sauce and water into the pan with the meatballs. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs evenly, then cover the skillet and simmer over low heat for 10 to 12 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot alongside pasta, rice, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey for chicken if preferred.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- These meatballs freeze well after cooking, making them ideal for meal prep.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
