Chicken Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are a comforting, flavorful, and versatile dish that suits both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, simmered in a rich, velvety marinara sauce that enhances every bite.

The mild flavor of chicken absorbs herbs and seasonings beautifully, creating a lighter alternative to traditional beef meatballs without sacrificing satisfaction. Whether served over pasta, tucked into a sub roll, or enjoyed on their own, this classic dish delivers warmth, aroma, and home-cooked goodness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything comforting about Italian cooking while keeping things simple, wholesome, and approachable. Chicken meatballs cook quickly and absorb the tangy, herb-filled marinara as they simmer, becoming incredibly tender.

The balance of garlic, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs creates a meatball that feels indulgent yet light. I especially enjoy how flexible the dish is—it pairs well with many sides, suits family-style meals, and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prepping.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it brings together the richness of classic Italian flavors with a lighter, healthier twist. It is simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and produces a restaurant-quality result.

Simmering the meatballs directly in the sauce deepens the flavor, keeps them moist, and ensures seamless blending. It’s a perfect recipe for feeding a crowd, preparing ahead of time, or creating a satisfying, comforting dinner that feels both familiar and elevated.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian-American
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	30–35 minutes
Total Time	50–55 minutes
Servings	4 servings
Calories per Serving	~360 calories

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)

For the Marinara Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Mix ground chicken with egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape into meatballs and brown in a skillet with olive oil.
3. Prepare the marinara by sautéing onion and garlic, then adding tomatoes and seasonings.
4. Simmer the browned meatballs in the sauce for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or bread.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using lightly oiled hands, form the mixture into 1-inch or 1½-inch meatballs. Place them on a tray while preparing to cook.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides for 4–5 minutes. Browning adds great flavor but they do not need to be fully cooked yet.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet or a separate pot, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar (if using), dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs

Transfer browned meatballs into the marinara sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and the meatballs to cook fully.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately with your preferred side.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the chicken meatballs over al dente pasta, creamy polenta, rice, or tucked inside a toasted sub roll for a hearty sandwich. They also pair well with roasted vegetables, a Caesar salad, or garlic bread. For a classic Italian-style presentation, top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture; gentle mixing keeps them tender.
• Add a splash of milk to the mixture for extra moisture.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
• For a smoother sauce, blend the marinara before adding meatballs.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara.
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: Add mozzarella cubes inside each meatball for a melty center.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Veggie-Boosted: Add grated zucchini or carrots to the meatball mixture.
• Creamy Tomato Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or ricotta during the last 5 minutes of simmering.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, simmer on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
• Freeze uncooked meatballs separately and cook from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes of simmering time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Pot or Dutch oven for simmering
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Can I bake the meatballs instead of browning them?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add to the simmering sauce.

Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Turkey works well and stays tender with the same method.

How do I prevent sticky meatball mixture?
Wet or oil your hands lightly before rolling.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes, especially if you’re serving over pasta.

Conclusion

Chicken Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are the perfect balance of flavor, comfort, and simplicity. They deliver classic Italian-inspired taste with a lighter twist, making them a go-to option for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Versatile, hearty, and easy to customize, this dish is sure to become a reliable favorite in your recipe collection. If you’d like a printable version or a quick-reference recipe card, I can create that as well.