Chicken Parm Meatball Subs

Chicken Parm Meatball Subs are warm, cheesy, and comforting. They bring together juicy chicken meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese in one easy sandwich. The smell of baking sauce and cheese fills the kitchen fast. The bread turns soft inside and lightly crisp outside. This is one of those simple chicken recipes that feels special but stays easy. Perfect for quick dinner ideas or lazy dinners when you want real food without stress.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 half teaspoon salt
• 1 half teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 quarter cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil optional

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs. Place them evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
5. Warm the marinara sauce in a pan. Add the baked meatballs and coat them gently.
6. Slice the sub rolls and place them on a baking tray. Add meatballs with sauce into each roll.
7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
8. Remove from the oven and add fresh basil if using. Serve warm.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Do not overmix the chicken mixture. Overmixing makes meatballs dense. Avoid using very large meatballs since they cook unevenly. Do not skip lining the pan, as chicken can stick easily. Watch the cheese closely near the end so it melts and does not burn.

Tips For Success

Use ground chicken with a little fat for best texture. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly oil your hands. Baking keeps this a lighter option compared to frying, which fits well with healthy dinner recipes. This method also works well for baked chicken recipes when you want less mess.

How To Serve

Serve Chicken Parm Meatball Subs with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a cozy plate, pair with soup or a side inspired by this easy one pot chicken and rice. These subs also work great for casual gatherings or family movie nights.

Flavor Add In Ideas

Add crushed red pepper for gentle heat. Mix a spoon of pesto into the sauce for herby flavor. Use provolone instead of mozzarella for a sharper bite. You can even turn the meatballs into a base for other ground chicken recipes like bowls or wraps.

Chicken Parm Meatball Subs

Chicken Parm Meatball Subs combine juicy chicken meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese on toasted sub rolls. This comforting, easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknights, offering classic Italian-American flavor in a satisfying, handheld form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 subs

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Meatballs

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Assembly

• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 sub rolls
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• fresh basil optional

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until combined.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs and place them evenly on the baking sheet.
4. Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
5. Warm marinara sauce in a pan and gently toss the baked meatballs in the sauce.
6. Slice the sub rolls and place them on a baking tray. Add meatballs with sauce into each roll.
7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese melts and bubbles.
8. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil if using. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender. You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to two months. Reheat in sauce for best texture. Perfect for casual dinners, meal prep, or family movie nights.

Make Ahead And Storage

You can make the meatballs ahead and store them in the fridge for three days. Freeze cooked meatballs for up to two months. Reheat in sauce for best texture. This makes them great for quick dinner ideas on busy nights or lazy dinners when cooking feels like too much.

FAQs

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, cook the meatballs at 375 degrees for about 10 to 12 minutes. This works well for air fryer recipes and keeps them juicy.

Can I use chicken breast instead?
Ground chicken breast works, but add a little olive oil to prevent dryness. Many easy chicken breast recipes use this trick.

Are these subs kid friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and familiar, similar to chicken tender recipes and simple sandwiches.

Conclusion

Chicken Parm Meatball Subs are cozy, simple, and full of flavor. They fit into simple chicken recipes, healthy dinner recipes, and even quick weeknight meals. The steps are easy, the results are satisfying, and the leftovers are useful. This is one of those meals you will want to make again. Save it, share it, and pin it for later so dinner feels easier next time.