...
Go Back
Close-up of a juicy Chicken Parm Meatball Sub, oozing with melted mozzarella.

Juicy Chicken Parm Meatball Subs (Ground Chicken & Italian Sausage!)

Discover the irresistible comfort of these Chicken Parm Meatball Subs! Featuring a secret blend for juicy, flavorful meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey mozzarella on a toasted hoagie roll, this recipe is a culinary triumph that’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 26 minutes
Total Time 46 minutes
Servings: 6 subs
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 700
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Cooking spray
  • 1 1/2 lb. ground chicken
  • 1/2 c. seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 c. plus 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tbsp. salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 6 soft hoagie rolls
  • 1 1/2 c. prepared marinara sauce
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • Small basil leaves, for topping
  • Potato chips, for serving

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheets
  • Foil
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • meat thermometer
  • Oven thermometer

Method
 

1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
  1. Position oven racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 425˚F. This ensures even cooking for both your meatballs and hoagie rolls.
  2. Line two baking sheets with foil for easy cleanup. Lightly coat one of the foil-lined sheets with cooking spray.
2. Mix and Form the Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup of the parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, kosher salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and the large egg.
  2. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly but gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
  3. Form the meat mixture into 24 small, uniform meatballs, each about 2 tablespoons in size. Arrange them on the prepared, oiled baking sheet.
3. Bake the Meatballs
  1. Place the meatballs on the upper oven rack. Bake until they are beautifully cooked through and lightly golden, which typically takes 15 to 18 minutes. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare and Toast the Hoagie Rolls
  1. While the meatballs are baking, mash the softened salted butter, garlic powder, and the remaining ¼ cup parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined. This creates a fragrant garlic-parmesan spread.
  2. Place the hoagie rolls on the second baking sheet. Open the rolls without fully separating the halves.
  3. Evenly spread the garlic-parmesan butter mixture on the inside surfaces of the rolls.
  4. Bake the rolls on the lower rack until they are lightly toasted and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. Watch them carefully to prevent over-toasting; you want them soft inside with a hint of crispness, not hard.
5. Assemble and Final Bake the Subs
  1. Once the meatballs and rolls are ready, evenly divide the hot meatballs among the toasted hoagie rolls.
  2. Generously top the meatballs with the prepared marinara sauce.
  3. Finally, arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the sauce and meatballs.
  4. Return the assembled subs to the oven. Bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce is piping hot and the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
  1. Carefully remove the subs from the oven.
  2. Sprinkle generously with fresh, small basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
  3. Serve your fantastic Chicken Parm Meatball Subs immediately with a side of crispy potato chips. Enjoy the warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious experience!

Notes

You can prepare meatballs (cooked or uncooked) and marinara sauce 1-2 days ahead and refrigerate. The garlic-parmesan butter can also be made ahead. Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat assembled subs from the refrigerator, wrap loosely in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight then reheat in sauce or bake. Avoid overmixing meatball ingredients for tenderness. Lightly toast hoagie rolls to prevent sogginess. Use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature and a meat thermometer for doneness. Don't skip fresh basil for garnish.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.