Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Succulent herby chicken meatballs dance through this vibrant bowl with Mediterranean flair.

Packed with fresh herbs and bold spices, these tender morsels elevate a simple weeknight dinner.

Zesty flavors burst from each carefully crafted bite, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Protein-rich and incredibly satisfying, this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.

Chopped herbs and aromatic seasonings weave magic into lean ground chicken.

Fresh ingredients combine to create a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

You’ll savor every delectable spoonful of this wholesome, flavor-packed bowl.

FAQs

• What herbs work best in these meatballs?

Parsley, basil, and thyme are excellent choices. They add fresh flavor and complement the chicken perfectly.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well with the same seasonings and cooking method.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.

• How can I make the meatballs more moist?

Add a bit of Greek yogurt or an extra egg to the mixture. This helps keep the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming dry during cooking.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl: Flavorful Features

• Customize with Ease: Mix and match ingredients to create your perfect bowl, making it a versatile meal that adapts to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Packed with protein and flavor, this one-pan recipe comes together in minimal time, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chicken meatballs, fiber from chickpeas and kale, and vitamins from sweet potatoes, this bowl delivers a balanced, wholesome meal in every bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of crispy roasted chickpeas, tender meatballs, and creamy dressing creates a satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients for Herby Chicken Meatball Bowls

• Chicken: A lean protein source that provides the base for the flavorful meatballs in this recipe.

• Sweet Potatoes: A nutritious and colorful root vegetable that adds natural sweetness and texture to the bowl.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense leafy green that provides a hearty base for the bowl.
• Chickpeas: A protein-packed legume that adds crunch and extra nutritional value to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Dried Herbs, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish and add depth to the meatballs and roasted vegetables.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and create a cohesive texture.

• Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Garlic: These ingredients create a creamy and tangy dressing that complements the roasted vegetables and meatballs.

• Olive Oil: Used for roasting vegetables and cooking meatballs, adding flavor and preventing sticking.

Cooking Steps for Chicken Meatball Bowls

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Chickpeas

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Open the chickpea can and drain completely.

Pat chickpeas dry with paper towels.

Spread them on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Grated parmesan cheese

Toss everything to ensure even coating.

Step 2: Roast Chickpeas

Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast chickpeas for 15 minutes.

They should turn golden and develop a crunchy exterior.

Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Sweet Potato Chunks

Wash the sweet potato and slice into uniform bite-sized cubes.

Transfer to another baking sheet.

• Smoked paprika
• Dried thyme
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Spread chunks evenly to ensure proper roasting.

Step 4: Roast Sweet Potato

Place sweet potato in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges and tender centers.

Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Create Chicken Meatballs

• Ground chicken
• Chopped fresh herbs
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Shape mixture into cylindrical meatballs using about two tablespoons per meatball.

Step 6: Cook Meatballs

Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place meatballs in the pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165F.

Meatballs should be golden brown and fully cooked.

Step 7: Whip Up Herby Dressing

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble Bowls

• Fresh chopped kale
• Roasted sweet potato chunks
• Crispy chickpeas
• Herby chicken meatballs

Drizzle herby dressing over the top.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Juicy Meatballs with Fresh Herbs

• Pat chickpeas completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Use wet hands when forming meatballs to prevent mixture from sticking and create smoother, more uniform cylinders.
• Let meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and distribute internal heat evenly.
• Add a splash of water if dressing is too thick, helping it drizzle smoothly over the bowl.
• Chop fresh herbs right before adding to meatball mixture to preserve maximum flavor and aromatic qualities.

Bowl Variations for Meatball Lovers

• Mediterranean Makeover: Replace chicken with lamb meatballs and add feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Veggie Delight: Swap chicken meatballs with plant-based protein like lentil or quinoa balls for a vegetarian option.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, and cilantro into meatballs. Top with salsa and replace parmesan with cotija cheese.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute sweet potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative.

Serving Ideas for Meatball Bowls

• Dinner Party Delight: Invite friends over and serve these colorful meatball bowls as a stunning shared meal with fresh bread and extra dressing on the side.
• Mediterranean Mood: Pair this bowl with crisp white wine, add some olives or feta cheese crumbles to enhance the Greek-inspired flavors and create a restaurant-style experience.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra meatballs and roasted vegetables separately to create quick lunch bowls throughout the week, storing components in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Texture Boost: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds over the top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the herby chicken meatballs and roasted vegetables.

How to Store Chicken Meatball Bowls

• Store leftover meatballs and components separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Freeze meatballs and roasted chickpeas in sealed containers for up to 1 month, ensuring they're completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out. Crisp chickpeas and sweet potatoes in the oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crunch.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent herby chicken meatball bowl delivers Mediterranean charm with zesty herbs and tender protein nestled over fluffy grains. Crisp vegetables and tangy yogurt sauce complete this fresh, balanced meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large sweet potato
• 4 cups fresh kale
• 1 cup basil
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1/4 cup dill
• 1 jalapeno, seeded
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) chickpeas
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon each: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de province
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare two separate baking sheets for roasting chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
2. Drain chickpeas thoroughly, pat dry, and toss with olive oil, selected seasonings, and grated parmesan cheese, spreading evenly on one baking sheet.
3. Roast chickpeas for 15 minutes until they develop a crispy, golden exterior, ensuring even cooking by shaking the pan midway.
4. Slice sweet potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes, coat with olive oil and preferred seasonings on the second baking sheet.
5. Roast sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, rotating once, until edges caramelize and interior becomes tender.
6. Combine ground chicken with herbs, spices, and binding ingredients, mixing gently to maintain a light texture.
7. Form mixture into cylindrical meatballs, approximately two tablespoons per portion, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
8. Heat skillet with oil over medium-high temperature, carefully browning meatballs on all sides for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Prepare creamy dressing by blending herbs, yogurt, and complementary seasonings until smooth and well-incorporated.
10. Arrange fresh kale as base, layer roasted sweet potatoes and crispy chickpeas, then strategically place meatballs on top.
11. Drizzle prepared dressing generously over assembled bowl, ensuring balanced flavor distribution.

Notes

• Customize chickpea crispiness by patting them completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum crunch.
• Swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash or carrots for varied flavor profiles and nutritional diversity.
• Consider using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for meatballs to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Test internal meatball temperature with a meat thermometer for guaranteed food safety and perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg