📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, you'll thank me later!
2. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground chicken, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 2 large eggs (lightly beaten), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons of Sriracha (more if you're feeling brave!), 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Really get in there with your hands and mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs will be tough. Nobody wants tough meatballs.
3. Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the meat mixture from sticking. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly. This is important, folks!
4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare your favorite marinara sauce. You can use store-bought (no judgement here!) or homemade if you're feeling ambitious. I like to add a little extra Sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick, but that's just me.
6. Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
7. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the sauce.
8. Spoon more marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they're well coated.
9. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Don't be shy with the cheese!
10. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Mmm, melty cheese...
11. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!