Moist, flavorful chicken meatballs made with grated zucchini and fragrant herbs are an excellent choice for dinner or a low‑carb snack. These meatballs are naturally keto, grain‑free, paleo and Whole30 friendly when made with compliant ingredients.
This recipe is simple and adaptable. The grated zucchini helps bind the mixture so you don’t need egg or flour, and it keeps the meatballs tender and juicy. It’s also an easy, sneaky way to add extra vegetables to a meal.
You can experiment with coatings: almond flour or grated Parmesan add a nice texture, but they’re optional. If you prefer a lighter finish, bake them without a crust and they’ll still be satisfying. Seasonings can be adjusted to your taste — add more herbs or a pinch of spice to suit your family.
Can’t Find Ground Chicken?
If ground or minced chicken isn’t available, finely chop or blitz boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a food processor until they reach a coarse ground texture. Ground turkey is a suitable substitute and will produce similar results with only a small difference in flavor and fat content.
How to Serve Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
These meatballs are versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with a creamy dip or a simple marinara for dipping. For a main course, place them on a bed of thinly sliced, cooked cabbage or zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a low‑carb plate. They also work well simmered in marinara, topped with cheese and baked briefly until bubbling for a comforting baked meatball dish.
For a bright, herbaceous contrast, try serving the meatballs with a chimichurri or herb sauce — a little acid and fresh herbs can lift the mild chicken flavor and make the dish feel lively. You can also pair the meatballs with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
If you prefer a richer, heartier meatball, consider recipes made with beef and pork and served with a mushroom gravy for a classic comfort-food alternative.
LIKE THIS RECIPE? YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
- Pumpkin Chicken Meatballs
- Zucchini & Halloumi Balls
- Zucchini Balls in Spicy Coconut Sauce
- Keto Savoury Smothered Meatballs
For a pet‑friendly option, there are simple homemade chicken and spinach meatball recipes suitable for dogs; ensure any recipe for pets excludes harmful seasonings and is approved by your veterinarian.
Chicken Zucchini Meatballs
Angela Coleby
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Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 3 spring onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon thyme, chopped or dried
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Combine the ground chicken, grated zucchini, chopped spring onions, thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently but thoroughly until evenly combined.
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With clean, slightly damp hands, shape the mixture into walnut‑sized balls. Aim for consistent sizes so they cook evenly.
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Arrange the meatballs on a parchment‑lined baking tray, leaving a little space between each.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm, cooked through and lightly golden.
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Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes, then serve warm with your choice of sauce or sides. Enjoy!
Notes
Any nutritional analysis provided is an estimate based on the individual ingredients used. Actual values may vary depending on specific products and preparation methods.
Nutrition
Calories: 40 kcal
Carbohydrates: 0.9 g
Protein: 7.8 g
Fat: 0.4 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
The nutrition information above is an estimate calculated by an online nutrition tool and should be used as a guideline only.
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