🍗🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Paste
✨ Description:
Tender, juicy chicken balls infused with garlic and herbs, pan-seared to golden perfection and bathed in rich garlic butter. They’re served with a decadent creamy parmesan paste that brings the ultimate umami satisfaction. Ideal for appetizers, party snacks, or served with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a full meal.
🛒 Ingredients:
For Chicken Balls:
- 500g minced chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil, for frying
For Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for balance
For Creamy Parmesan Paste:
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
- Pinch of salt & cracked pepper
🍳 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Balls:
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, garlic, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined — don’t overmix or they’ll be dense.
- Form into small balls using damp hands (about 1–1.5 inches wide).
2. Cook the Chicken Balls:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the balls in batches, turning to brown all sides (6–8 minutes total, or until cooked through).
- Set aside on a paper towel.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In the same pan, reduce heat to low and melt butter.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in parsley and a pinch of salt/pepper.
- Return chicken balls to the pan and coat in the garlic butter.
4. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Paste:
- In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, grated parmesan, garlic, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy (microwave for 10–15 seconds if needed to loosen).
5. Serve:
- Plate the chicken balls on a dollop of parmesan paste or serve paste on the side as a dip.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if desired.
🍽️ Servings:
Makes 4 servings (or 18–20 small chicken balls)
🔥 Tips & Notes:
- No cream cheese? Use ricotta, mascarpone, or Greek yogurt.
- Want it spicier? Add chili flakes to the chicken mix or garlic butter.
- Make it crispy: Roll chicken balls in panko before pan-frying.
- Meal idea: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta with roasted veggies.
- Make ahead: Chicken balls can be formed and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen raw.
🧠 Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 26g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: ~18% DV
- Cholesterol: ~90mg
- Sodium: ~550mg
(Based on 4 servings and standard ingredient measures)
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Chicken: Lean protein source for muscle repair and satiety.
- Garlic: Anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Parmesan: Adds calcium and rich umami flavor.
- Parsley: Detoxifying and rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Low-carb friendly: Especially if served with veggies or salad.
❓ Q&A Section:
Q: Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 mins, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I make the parmesan paste ahead?
A: Yes — store in the fridge for up to 3 days and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A: Ricotta, Greek yogurt, mascarpone, or even blended cottage cheese.
Q: How do I make this keto-friendly?
A: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and serve with roasted low-carb veggies.
Q: What wine pairs well with this?
A: A crisp Chardonnay or buttery white Burgundy complements the creamy parmesan and garlic notes beautifully.
Let me know if you want a printable version, meal pairing ideas, or a fancy name card for serving these at a gathering! 🍽✨