Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatballs
Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatballs are tender and juicy chicken in a luscious lemon sauce, perfect over brown rice. Quick and healthy, this meal is a favorite with lemon lovers.
Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatballs are tender and juicy chicken in a luscious lemon sauce, perfect over brown rice. Quick and healthy, this meal is a favorite with lemon lovers.
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup quinoa (*rinsed )
- 2/3 cup chicken broth (*to cook quinoa )
- 2 tbsp lemon zest (*zest of 2 lemons (see notes above in
- 3 cloves garlic (*minced or crushed )
- 1/4 cup minced brown onion (*about 1/4 of med onion)
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce (*gluten-free version to rem
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (*or 1/2 cup chickpea flour for
- 1/4 cup high heat oil (i used avocado oil) (*plus 2 addi
- 1/2 cup lemon juice (*about 2 lemons (see notes above fo
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (*for lemon sauce )
- Carbohydrate 0.141609237 g
- Cholesterol 150.39735955 mg
- Fat 10.4277454925 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 21.349127332 g
- Saturated Fat 2.996665108425 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (130g)
- Sodium 303.5526055 mg
- Sugar 0.141609237 g
- Trans Fat 0.979482028999998 g
- Calories 180 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small saucepan, bring 2/3 cup chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add rinsed quinoa. Cover and lower heat to the lowest setting.
- Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa has a popped appearance. Take off heat and let cool enough so as not to burn your hands, about 20 minutes (placing cooked quinoa in the refrigerator or freezer for 10 minutes will speed cooling up).
- Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, lemon zest, garlic, onion, Worcestershire, and egg. Add in quinoa once cool enough and mix the meatball mixture thoroughly using a wooden spoon or clean hands.
- Using a tablespoon, gently form meatballs into about 1/2-inch balls. On a separate plate, combine flour with salt. Roll each meatball in the flour mixture (roll meatballs in a second coating if needed).
- Heat a frying pan over medium/high heat. Add oil. Working in batches of 2, fry meatballs until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Set fried meatballs aside on a separate plate. Carefully wipe down the frying pan with a paper towel. Over the same medium/high heat, add lemon juice and 3/4 cup chicken broth to the frying pan.
- Bring to a simmer and add all meatballs to the lemon juice mixture. Lower to medium/low heat and cover. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning meatballs halfway. Serve over brown rice or quinoa.
Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatballs: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the general chaos of family life, a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner is a lifesaver. That’s why I’ve fallen head over heels for this Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatball recipe. It’s not only packed with flavor but also surprisingly simple to whip up, even on the busiest of weeknights. The vibrant lemon sauce brightens up the tender chicken meatballs, creating a dish that's both comforting and exciting.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The quinoa adds a nice hearty texture and a boost of protein, making it a complete and satisfying meal. I often serve it over brown rice, but quinoa works just as well, offering a lighter, fluffier base. Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. One less thing to worry about during the morning rush! I find myself making a double batch, ensuring we have lunch sorted for a couple of days. The recipe is easily adaptable too. If you have some fresh herbs on hand, a sprinkle of parsley or dill adds a delightful fresh element to the dish.
Beyond the practicality, this Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatball recipe allows me to connect with my family in a meaningful way. Cooking for them isn't just about sustenance; it’s about creating memories, sharing laughter, and fostering a sense of togetherness around the dinner table. The aroma of the lemon sauce fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, a small but significant detail that helps us unwind after a long day. It’s the little moments like these, the shared meals, that truly make a house a home. The fact that it takes just a fraction of the time compared to other elaborate meals is just a bonus!
Ingredients Notes: The recipe calls for specific ingredients, and while substitutions are possible, I encourage you to try to stick to the original recipe at least once. This will give you the true taste and texture of this delicious dish. The balance of flavors is delicate, and altering the ingredients can alter the final result.
Tips for Success: Don’t skip the cooling step for the quinoa. Hot quinoa will cook the egg in the meatball mixture, leading to a less desirable texture. Similarly, ensure your chicken broth is simmering gently, preventing the meatballs from breaking apart during cooking. And finally, don't be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite vegetables or spice blends to create your own personalized variation of this recipe.
This isn’t just a meal; it's an experience. It’s a testament to the idea that healthy and delicious food can be both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. It’s a recipe that embraces efficiency without sacrificing flavor, a perfect reflection of the modern woman’s life: juggling multiple roles while maintaining a balance between health, family, and personal well-being. So, go ahead, give it a try! I bet it’ll become a regular on your weeknight dinner rotation.
Serving Suggestions: While brown rice or quinoa are the classic pairings, you can also try serving this dish with couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal. The lemon sauce is incredibly versatile and complements various side dishes beautifully.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prepping, saving you valuable time during the week. Simply divide the cooked meatballs and sauce into individual containers, ready to be enjoyed whenever you need a quick and healthy meal.
In short, this Lemon Chicken Quinoa Meatball recipe is a true winner in my book. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient meals can coexist. It's a recipe that has found a permanent place in my family’s culinary repertoire, and I’m certain it will do the same for yours. So grab those lemons, get cooking, and enjoy!
