Keto Chicken Meatballs : If you’re on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, you’re probably always on the lookout for simple, delicious meals that fit within your macro goals. These Low Carb Chicken Meatballs are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Why Keto Chicken Meatballs?
Chicken is a fantastic lean protein source, and when paired with the right ingredients, you can easily turn it into a keto-friendly meal. Traditional meatball recipes often contain breadcrumbs, which are high in carbs and can knock you out of ketosis.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Chicken Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Moisture Balance: Ground chicken can be dry, so using ingredients like Parmesan and egg helps add moisture. You can also mix in a tablespoon of heavy cream for an even juicier texture.
- Pan-Searing for Flavor: While optional, searing the meatballs before baking helps create a lovely golden crust, locking in juices and boosting flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always ensure that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Variations
Asian-Inspired Meatballs: Replace the Italian seasoning with ginger, soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a keto version), and a dash of sesame oil. Serve with a keto-friendly dipping sauce.
Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: For an extra indulgent twist, stuff each meatball with a cube of mozzarella or cheddar cheese. As the meatballs cook, the cheese will melt into a gooey surprise!
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: Swap the Italian seasoning for a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. After baking, toss the meatballs in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy kick.
How to Serve Keto Chicken Meatballs
- Zucchini Noodles: Toss the meatballs in a sugar-free marinara sauce and serve over spiralized zucchini for a light and healthy pasta alternative.
- Cauliflower Rice: Serve these meatballs over a bed of garlic butter cauliflower rice for a hearty, low-carb meal.
- Keto Sub Sandwich: Add these meatballs to a low-carb bread or lettuce wrap with marinara and mozzarella for a satisfying keto-friendly sub.
- Keto Meatball Soup: Add cooked meatballs to a chicken broth-based soup with veggies like spinach, zucchini, and celery for a comforting bowl of keto-friendly soup.
How to Store Keto Chicken Meatballs
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat.
Freezer: If you want to make a larger batch for meal prep, you can freeze these meatballs for up to 3 months. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you prefer a slightly leaner option or if chicken is unavailable. The recipe stays the same.
What can I use instead of almond flour?
A: If you’re allergic to nuts or don’t have almond flour on hand, you can use coconut flour or crushed pork rinds. Just be aware that coconut flour is highly absorbent, so you may need to reduce the amount used.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes, if you want to skip the searing step, you can bake the meatballs directly in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked through.
Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?
A: Definitely! These meatballs freeze wonderfully. After cooking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Keto Chicken Meatballs
Keto Chicken Meatballs : If you're on a ketogenic or low-carb diet, you're probably always on the lookout for simple, delicious meals that fit within your macro goals. These Low Carb Chicken Meatballs are not only incredibly tasty but also easy to make and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat it to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil, lightly spraying it with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, parmesan cheese, egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and spices.
- Use your hands to mix everything together until well incorporated.
- Scoop out portions (around 28-30) using a large spoon or scooper and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Pop the meatballs into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 28 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 54Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 105mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 5g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
These Keto Chicken Meatballs are the perfect balance of flavor, ease, and nutrition. Whether you’re new to keto or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s quick to prepare, freezes well, and is endlessly adaptable with different flavors and sauces.
Not only are these meatballs great for dinner, but they also work well for meal prep, lunchboxes, or even as party appetizers. The next time you’re craving something savory and low-carb, give these chicken meatballs a try!
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