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Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs - Easy, Flavor-Packed, and Low-Carb

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground chicken (preferably 93% lean for juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
  • 1/3 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for searing or drizzling)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for basting or sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, brightens the flavor)
  • Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment or lightly oil it.
  2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, almond flour, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using.
  3. Don’t overmix: Use a fork or your hands and stop as soon as everything looks evenly combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  4. Form the meatballs: Lightly oil your hands. Scoop about 2 tablespoons per meatball and roll into 1.5-inch balls. You should get 18–22 meatballs.
  5. Option A — Bake: Arrange on the prepared pan, drizzle or mist with oil, and bake 14–18 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden. Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. Option B — Pan-sear then finish: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear meatballs in batches 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to the oven for 6–8 minutes to finish cooking.
  7. Optional garlic-butter finish: Melt butter in the skillet over low heat with 1 minced garlic clove. Toss the cooked meatballs in the butter for 1–2 minutes. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley.
  8. Serve: Pair with zucchini noodles, roasted broccoli, a simple marinara, or a creamy Alfredo-style sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan.