Chicken meatballs

Chicken meatballs with garlic sauce: a delicious and comforting recipe

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of meatballs is fascinating and full of variations. They are popular dishes around the world, with recipes adapted according to traditions, ingredients, and cultural preferences. Chicken meatballs, in particular, are an easy and healthy option, perfect for family meals or a delicious snack. Combined with a creamy garlic sauce, these meatballs become a true delicacy.

Ingredients

- 500 g ground chicken
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vegeta (or salt, to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Flour (about 100 g, to bind the mixture)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

Preparation

1. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, add 500 g of ground chicken. This is a leaner and healthier choice, but you can also use pork or beef if you prefer. Add the finely chopped 1/2 white onion. The onion adds juiciness and flavor to the meatballs. Then, add 2–3 tablespoons of fresh dill, chopped, for a fresh and aromatic taste. You can also use other herbs, such as parsley or oregano, depending on your preferences.

2. Seasoning: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of vegeta (or salt, to taste), 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika. Sweet paprika not only adds a beautiful color but also a subtle flavor, perfect for meatballs.

3. Binding the mixture: Add 1 egg, which will help bind the ingredients, and mix well. Start adding flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture becomes easy to shape but not sticky. The amount of flour may vary depending on the moisture of the meat.

4. Shaping the meatballs: Wet your hands with water and take a portion of the mixture to form meatballs. The standard size is about 4–5 cm in diameter. Place them on a plate. This trick with wet hands prevents the mixture from sticking to your skin.

5. Breading: Coat each meatball in flour, making sure they are well covered. This step adds a crispy crust during frying.

6. Frying: In a deep pan, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Heat the oil over medium heat. Place the meatballs in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd it. Fry them for 4–5 minutes on each side until they become golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them.

7. Removing from the pan: Once the meatballs are ready, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This trick will keep the meatballs less greasy, giving them a more pleasant texture.

Serving

Chicken meatballs are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a creamy garlic sauce made from yogurt, crushed garlic, salt, and a bit of dill. This sauce adds the perfect contrast and a note of freshness to your meatballs.

For an even more satisfying meal, you can pair them with a fresh vegetable salad or mashed potatoes. If you want to turn them into an appetizer, serving with a fresh baguette is an excellent choice.

Tips and variations

- Spices: You can customize the meatballs by adding various spices, such as garlic powder, cumin, or coriander, for a more exotic flavor.
- Meat: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or a combination of pork and beef to experiment with textures and flavors.
- Flour: If you want to make them gluten-free, you can use almond flour or oat flour.

Nutritional information

Chicken meatballs are an excellent source of protein, and chicken meat is usually leaner in fat than other types of meat. A serving of 100 g of chicken meatballs can contain about 250–300 kcal, depending on the amount of oil used for frying. They are also rich in vitamins due to the addition of onion and dill.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I freeze them? Yes, chicken meatballs can be frozen. Place them on a tray, put them in the freezer, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can fry them directly from the freezer.

2. How can I make them less fatty? You can bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes, turning them halfway through.

3. What other sauces can I use? Besides garlic sauce, you could try a yogurt sauce with herbs, spicy ketchup, or even a tomato sauce.

This chicken meatballs recipe with garlic sauce is not just a simple dish but also an opportunity to connect with loved ones. Whether you serve them at a family meal or turn them into a snack for friends, these meatballs will bring smiles and flavor. Try them and enjoy every bite!