These Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs are tender and packed with flavor from fresh herbs and vegetables. With a simple lemon garlic butter sauce drizzled over the top, they are a quick, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a healthy dinner or appetizer. You can prep them earlier in the day and bake them right before serving, making them a convenient choice for a busy weeknight. Serve them with couscous, pasta, or on a salad for a complete meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb Ground chicken (breasts or thighs)

  • ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped

  • 1 tsp Fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 2 Green onions, chopped

  • ½ Bell pepper (any color), finely chopped

  • 1 tsp Salt

  • ¼ tsp Black pepper

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (for baking)

• For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ¼ cup Butter, melted

  • 2 Garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice

  • Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, basil, rosemary, green onions, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (be careful not to overmix). Wet your hands lightly and shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake the Meatballs:
   Brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
   While the meatballs bake, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

5. Drizzle and Serve:
   Once the meatballs are done, drizzle them with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, if desired.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

• Protein: 25-30g

• Fat: 15-20g

• Saturated Fat: 5-7g

• Cholesterol: 65-80mg

• Sodium: 600-800mg (due to the salt and seasoning)

• Potassium: 350-450mg

• Fiber: 1-2g

• Sugar: 2-3g (from bell peppers and green onions)

• Vitamin A: 150-200 IU

• Vitamin C: 10-15mg

• Calcium: 50-70mg

• Iron: 2-3mg

These values depend on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of ground chicken and the amount of butter or oil. If you’d like a more accurate calculation, feel free to adjust based on your exact ingredients.

Why You’ll Love Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs

There’s a lot to love about these Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs, and here’s why this recipe should be on your radar:

1. Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh parsley, basil, rosemary, and green onions infuses the meatballs with vibrant, aromatic flavors. These herbs give the meatballs a fresh and savory taste, while the finely chopped bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and texture.

2. Healthy and Lean: Made with ground chicken, these meatballs are a leaner alternative to traditional beef or pork meatballs, providing a good source of protein without excessive fat. It’s a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

3. Convenient and Quick: You can prep the meatballs earlier in the day and simply bake them when you’re ready to serve. They take just 15-18 minutes to bake in the oven, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

4. Versatile: These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a side of couscous, toss them over a bed of pasta, or add them to a salad for a light and satisfying meal. They also work perfectly as an appetizer at parties, served with a side of dipping sauce or a fresh salad.

5. Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: The simple lemon garlic butter sauce is the perfect finishing touch. It adds a zesty, buttery richness to the meatballs, enhancing the fresh herb flavors and making each bite incredibly satisfying.

6. Customizable: While this recipe uses fresh herbs and vegetables, you can customize the meatballs by adding your favorite spices or vegetables. Add some chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the mixture, or experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano.

How to Make Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs

Making Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs is easy, and the process comes together quickly. Here’s how you can prepare this flavorful dish from start to finish:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 lb of ground chicken with the following ingredients:

• ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture and create a tender texture.

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 green onions, chopped

• ½ bell pepper, finely chopped: The bell pepper adds a subtle sweetness and a slight crunch.

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Wet your hands lightly to prevent the mixture from sticking, then shape the meat mixture into meatballs that are about 1½ inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Lightly brush the meatballs with 1 tablespoon olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a meatball; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, combine the following:

• ¼ cup melted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Stir until the garlic is well incorporated into the butter and the lemon juice is evenly mixed in. This sauce will bring the meatballs to life with its zesty, buttery richness.

Step 6: Drizzle with Sauce and Serve

Once the meatballs are baked, remove them from the oven and drizzle them with the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce. You can garnish the meatballs with additional fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or rosemary, for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions for Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs

These Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs are versatile and can be served in many different ways:

• With Couscous: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy couscous. The grains soak up the lemon garlic butter sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

• Over Pasta: Toss the meatballs with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or farfalle. The meatballs pair wonderfully with a simple tomato sauce or even a drizzle of extra garlic butter.

• In a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the meatballs on a bed of mixed greens, along with a few extra fresh vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or arugula. Top with a simple vinaigrette or extra lemon garlic butter for added flavor.

• As an Appetizer: Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, marinara, or even a spicy mustard sauce.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Versatile Meal

These Fresh Herb Chicken Meatballs are the perfect addition to your dinner repertoire. Packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, and finished off with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, they’re flavorful, healthy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them over couscous, pasta, or a salad, or enjoy them on their own as a snack, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. Try them today for a delicious, satisfying meal!