Dairy Free Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Chicken parmesan is one of those classic dishes that everyone seems to love. But if you skip dairy, it can feel like something you have to give up.

That’s why I came up with these dairy free chicken parmesan meatballs. They give you all the flavor of the original without any of the dairy.

The meatballs are made with ground chicken and baked until lightly browned, then simmered in a simple tomato sauce.

On top goes some dairy free mozzarella-style shreds that melt into a soft, gooey layer. It really does taste like the real thing.

I like to serve them over pasta or with some toasted bread on the side. It’s an easy meal that feels a little special.

Why This Recipe Is a Keeper

Classic Italian Comfort – Savory chicken, herbs, tomato sauce, and melty dairy free cheese deliver satisfying chicken Parmesan flavor.

Tender Meatballs – Egg, breadcrumbs, and gentle mixing help the chicken meatballs stay moist and tender.

Flavorful Homemade Sauce – Onion, garlic, tomatoes, basil, and oregano create a full, comforting sauce with simple ingredients.

Perfectly Cheesy – Dairy free Parmesan-style cheese and mozzarella-style shreds bring creamy, savory flavor without any dairy.

Here’s What You’ll Need

For The Meatballs

• 1 1/2 Pounds Ground Chicken
• 1/2 Cup Dairy Free Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 Cup Dairy Free Parmesan-Style Cheese
• 1 Large Egg
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper

For The Sauce

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion, Finely Chopped
• 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 1 Can Crushed Tomatoes, 28 Ounces
• 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 Cup Dairy Free Mozzarella-Style Shreds
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil, Chopped

How to Make It

Step 1

Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, dairy free parmesan-style cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 2

Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 3

Bake the meatballs at 425 F for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.

Step 4

While the meatballs bake, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and salt, then simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 6

Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and spoon the sauce over them. Sprinkle with dairy free mozzarella-style shreds.

Step 7

Cover the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta or toasted bread.

Recipe Tips

Keep the Meatball Mixture Light

Mix the ingredients only until the seasonings, breadcrumbs, egg, and dairy-free cheese are evenly spread through the chicken. Too much mixing can make chicken meatballs firm instead of tender.

I recommend using your fingertips rather than squeezing the mixture in your hands. This makes it easier to combine everything without packing the chicken too tightly.

Chill a Sticky Mixture

Ground chicken can make this mixture quite sticky, especially if the egg is large. If it feels too soft to shape, place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before forming the meatballs.

For easier shaping, lightly coat your hands with olive oil and refresh the coating as needed. Avoid adding extra breadcrumbs unless the chilled mixture still cannot hold its shape, since too many can make the meatballs dry.

Make Evenly Sized Meatballs

Divide the mixture into 20 equal portions before shaping them. A medium cookie scoop works especially well and should give you meatballs that are about 1 1/2 inches wide.

Keep the portions the same size so they finish cooking at the same time. Roll them gently and stop as soon as each one holds together, since tightly packed meatballs can become dense.

What to Make Next

• Dairy Free Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
• Dairy Free Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Dairy Free Espresso Tiramisu
• Dairy Free Lasagna with Cashew Ricotta
• Dairy Free Tomato Basil Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Popular Questions

How can I keep the chicken meatballs tender?

Mix the ingredients gently and stop as soon as everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs firm, so handle the mixture lightly when shaping them.