Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

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These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs always come out amazingly tender, deliciously flavorful, and always sure to impress! They are the perfect appetizer or dinner.

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

This easy cheesy meatball recipe is great for dinner. The chicken meatball bites are packed with basil goodness and baked to perfection!

Serve them with pasta or with a side of vegetables. They also make the perfect appetizer for New Year’s dinner and events.

This easy recipe gives you a few different options for cooking the chicken meatballs; deep fried, air fried and baked. I baked mine today, but all methods will give you a great result.

These basil chicken meatballs can be made in bulk and frozen. Having these in the freezer is fantastic for a quick meal. Throw them in some marinara sauce, cook some pasta and HELLO DINNER!

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below. 

Ground Chicken: When you select your ground chicken, pick 93-96% lean ground chicken. Avoid 99% lean ground chicken breast.

Cheese: You’ll need Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese. Parmesan for the the meatball mixture and Mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes for stuffing the meatballs.

Fresh onion and garlic: Finely minced in the food processor.

Egg: Beat lightly before adding to make it easier to blend in.

Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs add bulk and help to bind the meatballs. You can use gluten free breadcrumbs if you’d like.

Basil: While fresh basil is preferred, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, if needed.

Seasonings: All spice, black pepper and salt to add flavor.

Olive oil: To brush the meatballs before baking.

STEPS TO MAKE CHEESE STUFFED MEATBALLS

  • CHOP: Add onion, garlic and basil into a food processor, and process until smooth.
chop basil, onion and garlic in food processor
  • MIX: Add all of the ingredients for the meatballs to a large bowl, including the processed onions, garlic and basil mixture. Mix together with a fork until well combined.
chicken meatballs mixture
  • STUFF: Roll meat into balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Make an indent in the middle of each ball and place a piece of cheese in the center.
  • SHAPE: Roll the meat into a ball to cover the cheese. Seal meatballs well to keep the cheese from oozing out.
Shape and stuff each meatball with a cheese cube
  • BAKE: Place the meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet, brush with olive oil and bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs lined on a baking sheet

How to Fry Basil Chicken Meatballs:

  • Heat olive oil in large skillet: Pour 3/4 cup vegetable oil into a non-stick skillet and heat over medium heat.
  • Cook in batches, turning halfway: Cook meatballs in 3 batches (so they aren’t overcrowded and wont brown) until golden brown on bottom, about 4 – 6 minutes. Then rotate to opposite side and cook opposite side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain and repeat for the rest of the mixture.

Air Fryer Meatballs:

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  • Place meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer. Turn air fryer down to 380°F.
  • Cook meatballs for 12-14 minutes or until browned and the center of the meatball reaches 165°F.

You can also try this air fryer chicken meatballs recipe.

basil Chicken Meatballs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them in advance?

Yes. These are delicious reheated. They keep well in the fridge when stored in an air tight container for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat in the microwave, but I find that that reheating in the air fryer gives the best result!

Can you freeze cheese stuffed meatballs?

Yes! I cook them fully and place in sealed Ziplock bag or an airtight container before freezing for up to 2 months. This recipe can be frozen before or after cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can you substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken?

Yes! You sure can! I’ve made it with both, and you can hardly tell the difference.

What to serve with Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

I serve them in a couple of ways. Sometimes as an appetizer, with toothpicks and a bowl of marinara for dipping, and other times thrown over and tossed with pesto spaghetti. Talk about comfort food!

I also love to use these meatballs in subs, they make a yummy lunch! Or as a snack along with these mini cheese balls.

These easy mozzarella stuffed chicken meatballs are too good to resist. Enjoy them for dinner with pasta or serve them as an appetizer. No matter how you serve them, both kids and adults will love them!

If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on The Salt and Sweet Kitchen, leave a comment and rating – I truly love to hear from you!
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basil Chicken Meatballs

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs

Yield: 4-5
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs always come out amazingly tender, deliciously flavorful, and always sure to impress! They are the perfect appetizer or dinner.

Ingredients

For Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 small onion- halved
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup ground parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground all spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 100 g firm mozzarella cheese- cubed

For Baking the Meatballs

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Spray a baking tray with baking spray.
  3. In your food processor, process the onion, garlic and basil very well.
  4. Transfer to a large bowl.
  5. Add the egg, spices, salt, bread crumbs, and ground chicken and use a fork or your hands to combine the mixture very well.
  6. With lightly oiled hands (this prevents the chicken from sticking to your hands), heap 1 tbsp of chicken mix and add a cube of mozzarella cheese to the center. Shape into a ball, making sure the cheese cube is fully covered.
  7. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking tray.
  8. Drizzle/ brush meatballs with olive oil.
  9. Bake for 18-20 min on the center rack.
  10. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 5 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 320Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 143mgSodium: 845mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 28g

Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

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6 Comments

  1. I was looking for an easy and delicious recipe to make in advance for the New Year Eve and these Meatballs are what I need. They are really delicious and easy to make following your instructions. Thank you!!

  2. I made these chicken meatballs last night and hands down they’re the best I’ve ever had (esp with the mozzarella cheese twist!)

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