Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (Low Carb and Keto Friendly)
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 0
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt
- ingredients
- 1
- 1/2
- 2
- ounce
- cups
- cup
- casserole
- eggs
- meatballs
- italian seasoning
- coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tsp italian seasoning
- grated parmesan cheese
- tsp
- pounds
- garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ground chicken
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- almond meal
- whole milk ricotta cheese
- ingredientsmeatballs2 pounds ground chicken i used or breadcrumbs for higher carb count) 2 tsp italian seasoning 1 tsp salt 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 2 garlic cloves minced (more to taste) 1/2 cup grated onion 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese olive oil for brushing
- meatballs2 pounds ground chicken i used white meat or breadcrumbs for higher carb count) 2 tsp italian seasoning 1 tsp salt 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 2 garlic cloves minced (more to taste) 1/2 cup grated onion 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese olive oil for brushing
- 2 pounds ground chicken i used white meat but dark meat is or breadcrumbs for higher carb count) 2 tsp italian seasoning 1 tsp salt 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 2 garlic cloves minced (more to taste) 1/2 cup grated onion 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese olive oil for brushing
- 2 pounds ground chicken i used white meat but dark meat is
- i used white meat but dark meat is fine
- 2 eggs lightly beaten with a fork
- lightly beaten with a fork
- 1/2 cup almond meal plus more for rolling (substitute more or breadcrumbs for higher carb count)
- plus more for rolling (substitute more parmesan ch or breadcrumbs for higher carb count)
- 2 garlic cloves minced (more to taste)
- minced (more to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated onion
- grated onion
- olive oil for brushing
- olive oil for brushing
- casserole32 ounce or 904 gram jar of raos marinara
- 32 ounce or 904 gram jar of raos marinara sauce (or yourfav
- 32 ounce or 904 gram jar of raos marinara sauce (or yourfav
- 32
- or 904 gram jar of raos marinara sauce
- (or yourfavorite no sugar added tomato sauce)
- 2 cups or 227 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- or 227 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
- Carbohydrate 65.0213375918538 g
- Cholesterol 1207.19541669323 mg
- Fat 345.472987940443 g
- Fiber 8.65296375865167 g
- Protein 134.303271370456 g
- Saturated Fat 176.544312995473 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (5623g)
- Sodium 1240.68350514436 mg
- Sugar 56.3683738332021 g
- Trans Fat 17.5131241842653 g
- Calories 3837 calories
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatballs: A Low-Carb Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Dinner often becomes a frantic dash to get something on the table before bedtime, and healthy options often take a backseat to convenience. But what if I told you that you could enjoy a restaurant-quality, low-carb meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Meatball recipe is my secret weapon – it's quick, easy, and satisfies that craving for comfort food without the guilt.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredient lists. This dish uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The ground chicken provides a lean protein base, while the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning deliver a burst of flavour. The almond meal adds a satisfying texture without the carbs of traditional breadcrumbs, making it perfectly keto-friendly. I often find myself substituting ingredients based on what I have on hand – a little extra garlic never hurts! Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick, or swap the mozzarella for provolone for a sharper taste. The versatility of this recipe is one of its greatest assets.
The process of making these meatballs is incredibly straightforward. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, roll them into balls, bake them until cooked through, and then top with marinara sauce and cheese before returning to the oven. The result? Juicy, flavorful meatballs swimming in a rich tomato sauce, topped with a layer of gooey mozzarella. It's a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and guilt-free, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. I often double the recipe, making enough for leftovers for lunch the next day – saving precious time in the morning.
Beyond its convenience, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your palate. If you're not a fan of almond meal, you can use breadcrumbs instead (though this will increase the carb count), or even experiment with different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless! I've found that experimenting with different herbs and spices adds a wonderful dimension of flavor. A dash of oregano or basil can elevate the taste to a whole new level. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of marinara sauce – a good quality sauce is key to the success of this dish.
This recipe has become a staple in our household. It's a quick and easy meal that the whole family enjoys, and it’s a fantastic way to get a healthy and delicious dinner on the table without sacrificing flavor or time. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights, when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. So next time you're looking for a simple, yet impressive, low-carb meal, give these cheesy chicken Parmesan meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the ground chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before making the meatballs.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use different types of cheese, such as provolone or Asiago, for a variation in flavor.
- Add sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to the meatball mixture for extra nutrients.
- Serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.
- Make a larger batch and freeze the meatballs for future meals.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create delicious and satisfying meals that fit your lifestyle, whether you are a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates good food without the fuss.
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, minced garlic, grated onion, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Gently mix in the almond meal and beaten eggs until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil and arrange the meatballs on it.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare your marinara sauce.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a casserole dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
