Mozzarella-Stuffed Ground Chicken Meatballs

Looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious? These Mozzarella-Stuffed Ground Chicken Meatballs are about to become your new go-to recipe! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs made from flavorful ground chicken, each one hiding a gooey, melty mozzarella center. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, prepping for a party, or just craving a comforting snack, these meatballs fit the bill perfectly.

Serve them over a bed of pasta for a hearty main course, tuck them into a toasted sub roll for the ultimate meatball sandwich, or pair them with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. Hosting a gathering? These meatballs make fantastic appetizers—just set out toothpicks and watch them disappear! And of course, they’re so tasty that you might find yourself enjoying them all on their own, straight from the skillet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground dark meat chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1½ cups marinara sauce (for simmering)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the mixture.
2. Take about 1½ tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown (they don’t have to be fully cooked yet).
4. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, covering the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10–12 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Serve over pasta, with garlic bread, or as an appetizer!

Some Dishes to Consider with the Meatballs:

• Garlic bread
• Fresh green salad
• Pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)
• Roasted vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli)
• Steamed asparagus
• Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil)
• Sautéed spinach or kale
• Creamy polenta
• Rice pilaf
• Antipasto platter (olives, artichokes, cured meats)

SHOP GROUND CHICKEN