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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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).
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat, preparing to cook the meatballs with minimal oil to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- Once meatballs have achieved a rich, caramelized exterior and are thoroughly cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add crushed garlic, creating a fragrant sauce that will envelop the meatballs with rich, aromatic flavor.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the garlic butter sauce, ensuring each piece is lavishly dressed.
- For the cauliflower rice, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice-like granules.
- 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.
- 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