Make the Chicken Meatballs

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Form the Meatballs: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. You should get about 20 meatballs.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Once the skillet is hot, place the meatballs in the pan and brown them on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes. After they’re browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and finish cooking them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prepare the Sauce

1. Simmer the Sauce: While the meatballs are cooking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the sauce is warm, stir in the heavy cream (if you’re using it) for a creamy texture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
2. Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more herbs as needed. You can also add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Assemble the Meal

1. Serve the Meatballs: Once the meatballs are cooked through, transfer them to a serving plate or a large platter. Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re generously covered.
2. Add the Sides: Serve with your choice of mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. A side salad will add a nice touch of freshness to balance the richness of the meatballs.
3. Garnish: For a little extra flair, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the meatballs. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese on top.