There’s something irresistible about cheesy, saucy bites that pack all the flavor of classic chicken Parmesan—just in a fun muffin shape!
These ground chicken Parmesan muffins have become one of my favorite weeknight dinners.
They’re juicy, hearty, and baked to perfection with a gooey topping of marinara and melty mozzarella.
Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for the family, these little savory muffins bring big comfort with very little effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfectly portioned – Individual servings make them ideal for lunches or snacks
Packed with flavor – Garlic, Romano cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs give them a rich, savory taste
Super easy – No frying, just mix and bake!
Kid-friendly – Tastes like pizza in muffin form
Great for meal prep – Freezes and reheats like a dream
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground chicken – Lean but still juicy; the perfect base
Romano or Parmesan cheese – Adds bold, salty flavor throughout the mix and on top
Seasoned bread crumbs – Help bind and flavor the muffins
Marinara sauce – Classic tangy tomato topping
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully to finish each muffin
Garlic & onion powder – For deep, warm seasoning
Egg & water – Keeps the texture tender and moist
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t overmix the meat mixture—just enough to combine.
Use a cookie scoop to evenly portion each muffin cup.
If your mixture feels dry, a tablespoon or two of water brings it together perfectly.
Grate your cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.
How to Make Ground Chicken Parmesan Muffins
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spray a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Romano cheese (reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish), and breadcrumbs.
If the mixture is dry, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of water.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Evenly divide the mixture among all 12 muffin cups. Press gently to smooth the tops.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Remove the pan from the oven.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce over each muffin, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Final Bake and Serve
Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove and sprinkle with the remaining Romano cheese.
Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to Serve It With
Pasta tossed in extra marinara sauce
Garlic bread or focaccia
Roasted vegetables like zucchini or green beans
A crisp Caesar or garden salad
Variations / Substitutions
Swap proteins – Use ground turkey or lean beef
Gluten-free – Substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs
Add veggies – Finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini blend in well
Cheese options – Try cheddar, provolone, or fontina
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap muffins individually and store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and offers similar texture and flavor.
Do I need to cook the meat before baking?
No, the ground chicken mixture bakes fully in the muffin tin.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and bake, then refrigerate or freeze for later.
What kind of marinara sauce is best?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce—chunky or smooth both work.
Do these taste like meatballs?
A bit! They’re like cheesy baked meatballs in a muffin shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily—just bake in two muffin tins.
Are they good cold?
They’re best warm, but also delicious chilled or at room temp as a quick protein snack.
Final Thoughts
These ground chicken Parmesan muffins are the ultimate make-ahead comfort food.
Every bite is packed with classic Italian flavor—cheesy, saucy, and perfectly seasoned.
They’re simple to prep, easy to serve, and totally satisfying.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking your freezer, this recipe’s going to be one you come back to again and again.
Ground Chicken Parmesan Muffins
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder.
- Romano cheese (reserve 1 tablespoon), and breadcrumbs.
- Add water if mixture feels dry.
- Divide mixture into muffin cups. Press to smooth tops. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven. Top each with 1 tablespoon marinara and 1 tablespoon mozzarella.
- Return to oven for 10 more minutes.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/ground-chicken-parmesan-muffins/
Notes
- Use a cookie scoop for even portions and quicker prep.
- Ground turkey works as an easy swap for ground chicken.
- These muffins reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.
My name is Isabella, and this space was born from years of stirring sauces at sunset, baking cookies while the kids played on the porch, and finding comfort in a homemade meal after long, busy days. Here you’ll find delicious, reliable recipes made with simple ingredients, plus easy step-by-step photos and videos to help you cook confidently at home.