This shake-up of an Italian favorite takes high-protein chicken parmesan and puts them in meatball form with a pepperoni pizza flavor — perfect for a quick weeknight meal everyone will love.
Ideal for anyone looking to up their macros intake, this recipe is packed with protein, carbs, and fiber, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition. So, grab your apron and let’s turn this comfort-food classic into a powerhouse meal!
Protein-Packed Chicken Parmesan
Makes 12 meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 cups tomato pasta sauce or marinara
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- 25 slices of turkey pepperoni, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 egg
- ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: Parsley, additional Parmesan
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour the tomato sauce into a cast iron skillet, spreading evenly on the bottom
- In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, turkey pepperoni, and garlic. Add the egg and Parmesan cheese, then fold in the breadcrumbs until everything is well-combined.
- Using clean hands or a scooper, form the mixture into 12 1-inch balls.
- In a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron), heat 2 tablespoon olive oil on medium heat. Sear all sides of the meatballs, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Carefully pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Put the skillet into the oven and cook for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Top with parsley and more Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Amount per 1/2 cup serving
Calories: 177
Total fat: 4g
Carbs: 7g
Protein: 8g
Looking for more easy chicken recipes? Check out these 9 Recipes That Confirm Our Obsession with Chicken.
