Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice Recipe

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when I prepare these garlic butter chicken meatballs that promise maximum flavor in minimal time.

Succulent meat mingles perfectly with rich, creamy butter and aromatic herbs.

Cauliflower rice brings a light, nutritious base that complements the juicy protein beautifully.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions without compromising taste, and this recipe delivers precisely that.

Fragrant garlic infuses each tender bite with Mediterranean-inspired comfort.

Protein-packed and low-carb, these meatballs offer a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable morsel down to the last crumb.

Why Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs Rock

• Ground chicken provides lean protein, while low-carb cauliflower rice offers a nutritious alternative to traditional rice, making this dish both tasty and body-friendly.
• Packed with aromatic herbs like oregano, garlic, and Parmesan, these meatballs deliver a mouthwatering taste experience that will excite everyone's taste buds.
• Using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and serving with cauliflower rice makes this recipe ideal for anyone following a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet plan.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Meatballs & Cauliflower Rice

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of the meatballs, best when fresh and not too cold.
• Egg: Helps bind ingredients together and adds moisture to the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps keep meatballs tender.

• Almond Flour: Gluten-free binder that adds nutty flavor and helps hold meatballs together.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle, sweet onion flavor without adding moisture.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth and slight reddish color to the meatballs.
• Oregano: Brings Mediterranean herb notes to the dish.

• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and bright, clean taste to the meatballs.

Cooking Garlic Chicken Meatballs and Cauli Rice

Step 1: Blend Meatball Ingredients

• ground chicken
• almond flour
• egg
• minced garlic
• salt
• black pepper
• onion powder
• paprika
• dried oregano
• grated Parmesan cheese
• chopped fresh parsley

Mix all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. The mixture should feel slightly sticky and hold together well.

Step 2: Form Perfect Meatball Rounds

Gently roll the meat mixture between your palms to create uniform round meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter. Aim to create 16-18 consistent meatballs.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the pan with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook Meatballs

Place meatballs in the heated skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, rotating carefully to achieve a golden brown exterior. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Step 5: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

• butter
• minced garlic
• chopped parsley
• lemon juice

Melt butter in a small saucepan, add garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice.

Step 6: Prepare Cauliflower Rice

Pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-like texture. Sauté in a pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Pour garlic butter sauce over meatballs and arrange on top of cauliflower rice. Sprinkle additional fresh parsley for brightness.

Tips for Juicy Meatballs and Fluffy Cauliflower

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: Use a light touch when mixing and shaping to keep chicken meatballs tender and juicy, avoiding overworking the meat.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add extra minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory profile of the meatballs.
• Perfect Cauliflower Rice Texture: Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice-like grains, then lightly sauté to prevent mushiness.
• Check Meatball Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the recipe dairy-free, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of almond flour for alternative diets.

Storing Leftovers for Garlic Chicken Meal

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cauliflower rice separate to prevent sogginess.
• Reheat meatballs on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Drizzle a little extra garlic butter over the reheated meatballs to refresh their moisture and taste.

Great Matches for Garlic Chicken Meatballs

• Pair these zesty garlic butter chicken meatballs with complementary tastes and textures.
• Choose a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the garlic butter and balance the savory meatballs.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty meatballs.
• For red wine lovers, select a light Pinot Noir that won't overpower the delicate chicken, providing a smooth counterpoint to the garlic and herbs.

Mix Things Up with These Variations

• Low-Carb Zucchini Boat Option: Replace cauliflower rice with hollowed zucchini boats, stuffing meatballs inside for a vegetable-packed alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Protein Boost: Add extra almond flour and replace Parmesan with additional ground pork to increase fat content and maintain ketogenic macronutrient ratios.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate ground lamb instead of chicken, mix in mint and cumin, and serve with Greek-style cucumber salad for a different flavor profile that remains gluten-free.

Chicken Meatball FAQs

• Are these meatballs keto-friendly?

Yes, these garlic butter chicken meatballs are completely keto-friendly. They use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and are low in carbs, making them perfect for people following a ketogenic diet.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground chicken. The recipe will work perfectly with the same seasonings and cooking method.

• How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safely cooked through without becoming dry.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the meatballs are gluten-free. Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour, and all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs With Cauliflower Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter chicken meatballs dance atop a bed of light cauliflower rice, creating a low-carb Mediterranean-inspired feast. Hearty protein and zesty flavors merge into a simple yet sophisticated dinner that satisfies hunger and delights senses with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
• 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup chicken broth

Meatball Ingredients:

• ½ cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine ground chicken with almond flour, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, oregano, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley in a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blending ingredients until a uniform mixture forms.
2. Gently form the seasoned mixture into compact spherical shapes, roughly 1-inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking (anticipate creating approximately 16-18 meatballs).
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, preparing to cook the meatballs with minimal oil to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully place meatballs into the heated skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, rotating periodically to ensure uniform browning and complete internal cooking.
5. Once meatballs have achieved a rich, caramelized exterior and are thoroughly cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, melt butter and add crushed garlic, creating a fragrant sauce that will envelop the meatballs with rich, aromatic flavor.
7. Return meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly dressed.
8. For the cauliflower rice, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-like granules.
9. Sauté the cauliflower rice in a separate pan with a touch of olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking until tender yet slightly crisp.
10. Plate the garlic butter chicken meatballs atop the prepared cauliflower rice, garnishing with additional chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap almond flour with breadcrumbs for a traditional texture if gluten isn’t a concern.
• Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor profile.
• Use ghee instead of butter for a lactose-free or dairy-sensitive alternative.
• Grate frozen chicken for an extra tender and juicy meatball consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg