Ground Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Update : February 4, 2026

Delicious Ground Chicken Parmesan dish served with pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Chicken Parmesan is an easy dish that combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthier twist. Using ground chicken makes it lighter and perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe is comfort food at its best, offering a tasty meal that everyone in the family will love. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and filled with delicious ingredients!

How to Make Ground Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter (unsalted)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 small onion (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (divided in half)
  • 4 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 770 mL marinara sauce (1 jar Rao’s)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 sprigs basil
  • 1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

For the Toasted Breadcrumbs:

  1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
  3. Stir until the breadcrumbs are golden and toasted. Set aside.

For the Ground Chicken Parmesan:

  1. In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and half of the teaspoon of salt. Cook until softened.
  3. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, remaining salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Mix well.
  5. Add the cooked onion and garlic to the chicken mixture and mix until combined.
  6. Form the mixture into patties or meatballs.
  7. In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom.
  8. Place the chicken patties or meatballs on top, then cover with the rest of the marinara sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

How to Serve Ground Chicken Parmesan

Serve Ground Chicken Parmesan hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. You can pair it with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread. This dish is great for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

How to Store Ground Chicken Parmesan

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the dish for longer storage. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Tips to Make Ground Chicken Parmesan

  • For extra flavor, try adding some chopped spinach or bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
  • If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Variation

You can easily swap ground chicken for ground turkey or beef if you prefer a different type of meat. Using different types of cheese, like cheddar or provolone, can also create a unique taste.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of panko. Just be aware that the texture may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure to check that the marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Ground Chicken Parmesan is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also a delightful meal that satisfies everyone. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this delicious dish!

Print
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Ground Chicken Parmesan

A lightened-up version of classic Italian chicken Parmesan, featuring ground chicken and a tasty marinara sauce.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided in half
  • 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
  • 2 pounds ground chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 770 mL marinara sauce (1 jar Rao’s)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 sprigs basil
  • to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the panko breadcrumbs, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the breadcrumbs are golden and toasted, then set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and half of the teaspoon of salt and cook until softened.
  4. Add the chopped garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, remaining salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Mix well.
  6. Add the cooked onion and garlic to the chicken mixture and combine.
  7. Form the mixture into patties or meatballs.
  8. In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom. Place the chicken patties or meatballs on top, and then cover with the rest of the marinara sauce.
  9. Sprinkle the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

For extra flavor, add some chopped spinach or bell peppers to the chicken mixture. Keep chicken juicy by not overcooking it.

  • Author: jessica-baker
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: ground chicken, parmesan, Italian, comfort food, healthy dinner

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