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Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice

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Short Description

Garlic butter chicken meatballs with cauliflower rice is a flavorful, low-carb dish featuring juicy, tender chicken meatballs cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce and served over light, fluffy cauliflower rice. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-carb and keto-friendly – A healthy alternative to traditional meatballs and rice.
  • Rich and flavorful – Juicy chicken meatballs coated in buttery garlic goodness.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
  • One-pan meal – Minimal cleanup with simple ingredients.
  • Customizable – Add extra veggies, spices, or swap proteins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • Ground chicken
  • Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • Egg
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Almond flour (or breadcrumbs if not low-carb)
  • Olive oil (for frying)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • Butter
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Chicken broth
  • Lemon juice
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Cauliflower Rice:

  • Cauliflower (riced, fresh or frozen)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the meatballs – In a bowl, mix ground chicken, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and almond flour. Form into small meatballs.
  2. Cook the meatballs – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic butter sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  4. Return meatballs to the pan – Let them cook in the sauce for 5 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Prepare the cauliflower rice – In another pan, heat olive oil and sauté cauliflower rice for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Serve and enjoy – Plate the cauliflower rice and top with garlic butter chicken meatballs. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy version – Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne.
  • Cheesy twist – Stuff meatballs with mozzarella for a gooey center.
  • Dairy-free option – Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Vegetarian alternative – Use ground chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken.
  • Extra veggies – Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to use an egg and almond flour as binders. Chilling the meatballs for 10 minutes before cooking also helps.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes! Just sauté it a bit longer to remove excess moisture.

What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker?

Simmer longer or stir in a bit more Parmesan cheese.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and cooked through.

How do I make this dish even more keto-friendly?

Use extra butter and add more healthy fats like avocado or cheese.

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of pre-riced?

Yes! Just pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until finely chopped.

What can I serve with this dish?

A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of avocado.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the meatballs and sauce ahead, then reheat when ready to serve.

Is this meal gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure all ingredients, including broth, are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken meatballs with cauliflower rice is a delicious, low-carb, and protein-packed meal that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner option or a meal prep favorite, this dish delivers big on flavor and nutrition. Try it today and enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free meal!

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Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Low-Carb, Keto
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Description

These Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Cauliflower Rice are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. Served over light and fluffy cauliflower rice, this low-carb, keto-friendly meal is quick, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Cauliflower Rice:

  • 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, almond flour, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, oregano, Parmesan, and parsley until well combined.
  2. Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 16-18 meatballs).

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Return the meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
  2. Add cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Serve meatballs over cauliflower rice, spooning extra garlic butter sauce on top.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

  • Make It Dairy-Free: Use ghee or vegan butter and omit Parmesan.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Extra Flavor: Add ½ tsp Italian seasoning to the meatballs for a boost.

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