🧄 Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
📖 Description
Tender, juicy chicken balls seasoned with herbs and garlic, pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a rich, creamy garlic butter parmesan sauce. This comforting and indulgent dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or even served as a fancy appetizer.
🍗 Ingredients
For the Chicken Balls:
- 500g minced chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or nutmeg for extra flavor
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Chicken Balls:
- In a large bowl, mix minced chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into 20–24 small balls using your hands or a scoop.
2. Cook the Balls:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken balls in batches and sear until golden brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes total).
- Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt 2 tbsp butter.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes/nutmeg.
- Return chicken balls to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes.
4. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
👩🍳 Chef’s Notes & Tips
- Moisture Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken balls – they stay juicy if just golden and cooked through.
- Make-Ahead: Shape chicken balls ahead and refrigerate (up to 24 hrs) or freeze for quick meals.
- Add Veggies: Add finely chopped spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition in the mix.
- Low-carb version: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes: 4 servings
- Serving Size: ~5–6 chicken balls with sauce
🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
(Varies based on ingredients and portion size)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Protein-rich: Great for muscle support and energy.
- Good fats: Butter and cream provide healthy fat if used in moderation.
- Calcium boost: Parmesan adds bone-strengthening calcium.
- Low carb: Ideal for keto-style meals if breadcrumbs are replaced.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes, freeze raw or cooked chicken balls. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking.
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