Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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 allspice; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/3 cup fresh basil; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 100 g firm mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Olive oil cooking spray

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These mozzarella stuffed chicken meatballs are tender, juicy, and filled with gooey melted cheese. Baked to perfection, they make a standout appetizer or a hearty dinner when paired with pasta or vegetables. Each bite delivers basil-infused flavor and a delightful cheesy surprise.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken meatballs are incredibly flavorful, simple to prepare, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether served as an appetizer or as a full meal, their melty mozzarella center always impresses. They can be baked, fried, or air-fried, and they freeze beautifully for quick weeknight meals. Their combination of tender chicken, aromatic basil, and creamy cheese makes them a crowd favorite every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the 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 allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup fresh basil
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
100 g firm mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

For Baking the Meatballs:
1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil cooking spray

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a baking tray with cooking spray.
In a food processor, combine the onion, garlic, and basil. Process until finely minced and smooth.
Transfer this mixture to a large bowl. Add the ground chicken, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, salt, allspice, and black pepper. Mix well using a fork or your hands until fully combined.
Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture and flatten slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
Shape the chicken mixture around the cheese, forming a fully sealed meatball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Arrange all meatballs on the prepared baking tray. Brush or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve warm and enjoy the melty cheese center.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 5 servings (about 3–4 meatballs per serving).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18–20 minutes
Total time: about 35 minutes

Variations

Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Reduce temperature to 380°F and cook meatballs in a single layer for 12–14 minutes, until browned and fully cooked.
Fried Method: Heat 3/4 cup vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches, cooking 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Herb Variations: Replace basil with parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Cheese Variations: Use provolone or low-moisture mozzarella for a firmer melt.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To freeze, place fully cooled meatballs in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture. Microwave reheating works but may soften the exterior.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. You can shape them ahead and refrigerate before cooking or cook them fully and store them for later.

Can I freeze them before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze them raw. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a container. Cook from thawed for best results.

Can I freeze them after baking?

Absolutely. They freeze very well when fully cooked.

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground chicken?

Yes. Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe with almost no change in taste or texture.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the mozzarella is fully enclosed within the meat mixture and that the meatballs are tightly sealed.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

They are delicious with marinara sauce, pasta, pesto spaghetti, roasted vegetables, or even inside a sandwich.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.

Can I pan-sear them instead of frying or baking?

Yes. You can brown them in a skillet with a little oil, then finish cooking in the oven.

What type of mozzarella works best?

Firm, low-moisture mozzarella cubes hold up best and melt nicely without oozing prematurely.

How do I reheat them without drying them out?

Use an air fryer or oven at a moderate temperature (around 350°F) until warmed through.

Conclusion

Mozzarella stuffed chicken meatballs are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. With their tender texture, aromatic basil, and irresistible cheesy centers, they elevate any dinner table. Whether baked, air-fried, or pan-fried, these meatballs are simple to prepare, easy to store, and endlessly versatile. Enjoy them as an appetizer, with pasta, or as part of a wholesome meal—this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.