Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the combination of tender, flavorful meatballs bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs offer a comforting, restaurant-quality dish you can easily whip up at home. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, these juicy chicken meatballs are bound to impress.

Imagine biting into a perfectly cooked meatball, bursting with zesty lemon, fresh parsley, and hints of garlic. Add a luscious garlic butter sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts comforting and sophisticated. Best of all, it’s easy to make and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into this flavorful recipe and learn how to make Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs step by step.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs

There’s a reason this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Quick and easy: You can make this dish in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich, flavorful sauce: The garlic butter sauce is irresistible, with a perfect balance of lemony brightness and savory richness.
• Healthy twist: Using ground chicken instead of beef or pork keeps the dish leaner without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tender, juicy meatballs.
• Versatile: Pair them with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs

To make these mouthwatering meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Meatball Ingredients

Garlic Butter Sauce Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs

1. Make the Meatball Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, kosher salt, oregano, and black pepper.
• Mix the ingredients until well combined.
• Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Form the Meatballs

• Scoop out the meatball mixture in heaping 2-tablespoon portions (you should get about 20 meatballs).
• Roll each portion between damp hands to form smooth, even balls.

3. Cook the Meatballs

• Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 12-inch skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, for about 12 minutes, or until browned on all sides and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Transfer the cooked meatballs to a clean plate and set them aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
• Add the remaining minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
• Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for another 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.

5. Deglaze the Pan

• Whisk in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
• Cook for about 1 minute, or until the wine reduces by half.

6. Finish the Sauce

• Whisk in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and the remaining salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 2-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.

7. Toss the Meatballs in the Sauce

• Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
• Cook for another 2 minutes to ensure the meatballs are heated through.

8. Serve and Garnish

• Sprinkle the meatballs with additional chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
• Serve warm, either on their own or with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs pair beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Over pasta: Serve them on a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
• With mashed potatoes: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
• On rice or quinoa: A great option for a lighter, gluten-free base.
• With roasted vegetables: Pair them with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a healthy side.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on four servings):

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient quantities used.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture

Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

2. Use Fresh Lemon and Parsley

Fresh lemon zest and parsley add brightness and elevate the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Keep the Meatballs Uniform in Size

Use a cookie scoop to ensure all the meatballs are the same size. This helps them cook evenly.

4. Deglaze the Pan Properly

Scraping up the browned bits from the skillet while adding wine adds depth and flavor to the sauce.

5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them (raw) for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Can I freeze garlic butter chicken meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the sauce for best results.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works well in this recipe.

4. What can I use instead of white wine?

You can substitute the white wine with chicken broth or a splash of white vinegar for acidity.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as olive oil or vegan butter, and use coconut milk in place of half-and-half.

Final Thoughts: Try Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs Today!

These Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs are packed with flavor and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer, they’re guaranteed to please your taste buds and impress your guests.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious and comforting dish.

Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Print Recipe

Tender and juicy chicken meatballs tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, these Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs are a flavor-packed dish perfect for any occasion. With bright lemon, fresh parsley, and a buttery garlic finish, this recipe is versatile, comforting, and easy to prepare.

 

• Author: PAUL
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 20 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 ½ pounds ground chicken
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, egg, salt, oregano, and pepper.
  • Add ground chicken and gently mix until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
• Shape the Meatballs:
  • Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of the mixture and roll into smooth balls. Damp hands can help prevent sticking.
  • You should yield approximately 20 meatballs.
• Cook the Meatballs:
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning occasionally, for 12 minutes, or until browned on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
• Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.
  • Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Deglaze and Build the Sauce:
  • Slowly pour in the white wine, whisking to scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let it reduce for 1 minute.
  • Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, whisking to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
• Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet, tossing them gently to coat in the sauce.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.
• Serve and Garnish:
  • Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
  • Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Use fresh lemon and parsley for the best flavor.
• Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to ensure a tender texture.
• Deglaze the skillet properly with wine or broth to incorporate all the flavor.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to adjust the consistency.