Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs offer a healthy and flavorful meal option perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying low-carb dinner. Made with ground chicken, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese, these meatballs are baked to golden perfection and packed with protein and nutrients. Optional ingredients like ricotta cheese add a creamy texture, making this dish versatile and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 12–14 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 ½ cups chopped spinach (fresh or thawed and drained frozen)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese (for creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon almond flour (for binding, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly until wilted, then chop finely. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the meatballs.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, prepared spinach, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated, taking care not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: With damp hands or using a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch diameter balls. Arrange the meatballs evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure safety.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite low-carb sides or sauces for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using a mix of dark and light ground chicken can improve the moisture and texture of the meatballs.
- Avoid overmixing the ingredients as it can make the meatballs dense and tough.
- Ensure spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy.
- Optional ricotta cheese adds creaminess, and almond flour can be used to improve binding if needed.
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