Introduction

This Ground Chicken Parmesan offers a fresh twist on the classic Italian favorite. It’s packed with savory flavors, melted cheese, and crispy toasted breadcrumbs that add the perfect crunch. Easy to prepare and comforting, it’s ideal for a weeknight dinner.

A white bowl filled with spaghetti mixed with a red tomato sauce and pieces of browned meat. The spaghetti forms a loose nest on top of the sauce, with some strands lifted by black chopsticks resting in the bowl from the bottom right. A fresh green basil leaf sits on top of the spaghetti near the top left of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with part of another white bowl containing plain spaghetti visible at the bottom left, and a white bowl filled with brown breadcrumbs in the top left corner. To the right, there is a glimpse of another white bowl with more spaghetti and meat sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 or preferred brand)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 sprigs basil
1½ to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add panko breadcrumbs, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly and leave undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute before stirring. Repeat 2 to 3 times until golden and toasted. Set aside.
Step 2: In the same skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and ½ teaspoon salt, sauté for 2 minutes. Add chopped garlic and sauté for another minute.
Step 3: Push the onion and garlic to the side of the skillet. Add ground chicken, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and dried oregano. Brown the chicken while breaking it into small pieces for 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the marinara sauce, grated Parmesan, and add basil sprigs. Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Remove and discard the basil. Top the mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese and cook for another 2 minutes or until cheese melts.
Step 6: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top just before serving, or add them to individual portions. Serve over spaghetti or your preferred pasta and garnish with extra basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into the ground chicken while cooking.
Use fresh basil leaves at the end for a bright, herbal note.
Try substituting ground turkey if you prefer a leaner meat.
To keep breadcrumbs crispy, add them right before serving rather than mixing them in early.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to keep the cheese melted without drying out the chicken. For best texture, add toasted breadcrumbs fresh when serving again.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with spaghetti layered with thick red tomato sauce mixed with chunks of cooked ground meat and melted cheese, with a few vibrant green basil leaves placed on top. The spaghetti noodles are light yellow and twisted around a black chopstick that is placed in the bowl. Around the main bowl, there is a small white bowl with golden-brown crispy topping on the left top and a white plate with plain cooked spaghetti on the bottom left. On the bottom right are two translucent salt and pepper shakers. The entire setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it refrigerated and add the mozzarella and breadcrumbs fresh when reheating.

What pasta goes best with Ground Chicken Parmesan?

This dish pairs well with spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up the sauce and cheese.