These healthy chicken meatballs are a family favorite for meal prep, ready in just 20 minutes with only 5 minutes of prep. Moist, tender, and juicy, they’re gluten-free, low-carb, and perfect as a snack or meal.
I love ground chicken recipes because they are incredibly versatile and can be used in many different dishes. Whether I’m prepping for a busy week or looking for a quick meal, ground chicken always comes through. Some of my favorites include ground chicken meatloaf, ground chicken and broccoli stir fry, and Asian chicken lettuce wraps.
- Why Are You Going To Love These Fried Chicken Meatballs
- Ingredients For Chicken Meatballs
- How To Make Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs
- Tips For Making The Perfect Fried Chicken Meatballs
- Recipe Variations
- What To Serve With Chicken Meatballs
- The Best Sauces For Chicken Meatballs
- Storing Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Easy Meatball Recipes
- Keto Chicken Meatballs
Why Are You Going To Love These Fried Chicken Meatballs
- Super easy to make using naturally low-carb ingredients.
- Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- You will need only one bowl to prep them.
- Super versatile. You can add your favorite seasonings or herbs.
Ingredients For Chicken Meatballs
You will need only a few healthy ingredients to create these fried chicken meatballs. Here is a list of everything you will need:
- Ground Chicken – I used 93-96% lean ground chicken for these fried chicken meatballs. You can also replace the ground chicken with ground turkey meat.
- Keto Bread Crumbs – you can also replace them with the same amount of almond flour.
- Egg – used to bind everything together. Use a large and room-temperature egg for this recipe.
- Parsley – I used fresh chopped parsley for a more intense flavor. You can also replace it with dried parsley.
- Salt&Pepper – to taste. You can add your favorite seasonings as well.
- Onion – you will need a medium white onion that’s finely chopped.
How To Make Gluten-Free Chicken Meatballs
This simple chicken meatball recipe is quick and easy, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish! Here’s how to make these gluten-free chicken meatballs:
Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, gluten-free breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a keto option), an egg, chopped parsley, finely diced onion, and your favorite seasonings. Mix until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, evenly-sized balls using your hands, then place them on a plate. Wet your hands with cold water to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Cooking the Chicken Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs, making sure to leave space between them to cook evenly.
Sear the meatballs for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked through. You can cook them in batches if necessary.
Garnish and Serve
Once all the meatballs are cooked, garnish them with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor. Enjoy them hot with your favorite sauce or on their own!
Tips For Making The Perfect Fried Chicken Meatballs
- Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the chicken mixture. Overmixing can lead to dry, tough meatballs, and we want them to stay juicy and tender.
- Wet Your Hands: When shaping the meatballs, keep your hands wet with cold water to prevent the mixture from sticking. This little trick makes the process smoother and less messy.
- Keep Them Uniform: For even cooking, try to shape all the meatballs to about the same size—around 1 inch works best. Using a small cookie scoop can help ensure they’re consistent, so each one cooks perfectly without any guesswork.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized meatballs, use a small cookie scoop. This ensures even cooking and makes the process faster and easier.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken Meatballs: Add some heat by mixing in crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce into the mixture.
- Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs: For a fun twist, stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese. The melted cheese center adds a delightful surprise to every bite.
- Herbed Chicken Meatballs: Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to the mix. This variation gives the meatballs a fresh, aromatic touch that pairs well with many sauces.
- Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Incorporate some soy sauce, ginger, and a splash of sesame oil into the mixture for an Asian twist. Serve with a side of sweet chili or teriyaki sauce for dipping.
What To Serve With Chicken Meatballs
- They will pair perfectly with some cauliflower rice or cauliflower mashed potatoes.
- You can eat them in your favorite dipping sauce.
- Make a low-carb tomato sauce and pour it over the meatballs to create an Italian chicken meatballs recipe.
- Make some tzatziki sauce and enjoy the best Greek chicken meatballs you have ever tried.
- Pasta with chicken meatballs. Add your favorite sauce over keto pasta, and enjoy it with these chicken meatballs.
The Best Sauces For Chicken Meatballs
Below is a list of our favorite sauces that pairs perfectly with these no-carb meatballs.
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Burger Sauce
- Tomatoes Ranch
- Marinara Sauce
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: you can store these low-carb chicken meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: these gluten-free meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Meatballs Keto-Friendly?
Traditional meatballs often contain breadcrumbs, making them too high in carbs for a keto diet. However, you can still enjoy delicious keto chicken meatballs by using this recipe, which calls for a gluten-free binder to keep them low-carb and keto-friendly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! One great thing about this baked chicken meatball recipe is that it can be prepared in advance. Simply mix and form the meatballs, then freeze them on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 2 months. This makes meal prep a breeze!
How Long To Cook Chicken Meatballs?
For fried chicken meatballs, cook them for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on all sides and firm to the touch. Be sure to turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Can I Make Chicken Meatballs In the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! To make air fryer chicken meatballs, simply follow the recipe to prepare and shape the meatballs, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook them for around 15 minutes for a crispy, golden finish.
Can I Make This Recipe In The Oven?
Yes, you can also make baked chicken meatballs by using this recipe. Place the chicken meatballs into a baking dish lined with parchment paper and bake them in the oven at 400F/ 200C for 20 minutes.
What Binder Can I Use For These Gluten-Free Low-Carb Chicken Meatballs?
If you’re following a keto diet, there are plenty of low-carb binders you can use to make the perfect chicken meatballs. Here are some great options:
- Almond Flour
- Coconut Flour
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Pork Rinds
More Easy Meatball Recipes
Keto Chicken Meatballs
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken 96% lean
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1/2 cup white onion finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, and seasonings in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix using your hands or a silicone spatula until everything is well combined.
- Roll each piece of meat into a ball using your hand(you can also use a cookie scoop), and place them on a plate.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them, and cook them for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Repeat the process with the rest of the meatballs.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy them with your favorite sauce or side dish.
Notes
Nutrition information is shared to make meal planning easier. Values are estimates and can vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. Learn more in my nutrition policy.
Is the nutrition information counting the whole recipe as a serving?
The macros are calculated based on 1/4 of the entire recipe. This recipe will make around 12 meatballs, meaning each serving would consist of 3 meatballs, depending on size.
I am making this for the second time tonight. We just loved these meatballs. I will check out your variations next time around