Chicken meatballs
These chicken meatballs are made from tender chicken thighs and infused with garlic, herbs, and lemon for a burst of flavor. They're pan-fried to golden perfection and serve as a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
21 oz chicken thighs3 garlic cloves
1 egg
1.50 oz almond flour
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh thyme
1 lemon
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
Chicken meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Made with tender chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, and a hint of zesty lemon, these meatballs are packed with flavor. They are also a healthier alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, making them perfect for a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Instructions:
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into smaller chunks for easier processing.
- Place the chicken chunks in a food processor and pulse until the chicken is finely ground. Be careful not to over-process; you want a coarse texture resembling ground meat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, egg, almond flour, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, chopped fresh thyme, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until evenly combined.
- Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, roughly the size of a golf ball. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or a baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides and are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a serving plate.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad.
Enjoy your homemade chicken meatballs as a main dish, in a sub, or tossed with your favorite pasta. With their rich flavor and satisfying texture, they are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a weeknight meal, these meatballs are a delicious and healthy choice.
Chicken meatballs FAQ:
Cook the chicken meatballs for about 4-5 minutes per side in a skillet over medium heat. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
Leftover chicken meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; they will keep well for about 2-3 months.
Yes, you can substitute almond flour with breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour blend. However, this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.
The meatballs are done when they are golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
A large skillet is recommended to allow enough space for the meatballs to cook evenly. Ensure it’s large enough to accommodate them in batches without overcrowding.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
- Finely mince the garlic to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the meatballs.
- Mix the ingredients until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape the meatballs evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. A cookie scoop can help with this.
- For a burst of freshness, add some lemon zest to the meatball mixture.
- If you're baking the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- To keep the meatballs juicy, avoid overcooking them. Check for doneness by ensuring they are firm to the touch and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can freeze any leftover meatballs for a quick meal on busy days. Just reheat them in the oven or on the stove.
Nutrition per serving
1 ServingsCalories 1730kcal
Protein 120g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 9g
Sugar 6g
Fat 140g
More recipes
Strawberry tofu smoothie bowl with almond milk and honey
A creamy strawberry tofu smoothie bowl perfect for breakfast or snacks.
28 Nov 2025Frosty fruit & flaxseed protein smoothie
A creamy, protein-rich smoothie with fresh fruit and flaxseed.
21 Jan 2026Sweet potato veggie burger patties
Delicious sweet potato veggie burger patties packed with flavor.
06 Feb 2026Cinnamon blueberry and goat cheese toast with sunflower seeds
A flavourful toast with goat cheese, cinnamon blueberries, and crunch.
22 Jan 2026Mixed berry and avocado pancakes
Delicious mixed berry and avocado pancakes for a nutritious breakfast.
28 Jan 2026Three cheese mini muffins
Savory three cheese mini muffins with herbs, perfect for snacks.
25 Nov 2025Cauliflower cheddar fritters
Crispy cauliflower cheddar fritters, perfect for snacking or as a side.
05 Jan 2026