Name: Ranch Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken; 1 egg; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying); 1 cup low sodium chicken broth (see note); 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (I prefer Hidden Valley); 1 clove garlic (minced); 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly) (softened); 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Every bite of Ranch Chicken Meatballs brings me back to cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone gathered around the table. I remember the first time I made these delicious meatballs; it was an experimental night in the kitchen with my kids. We had a stash of ground chicken in the fridge, and I thought, why not try something new? The combination of creamy ranch seasoning and tender chicken was a hit! Even my pickiest eater couldn’t resist them. Now, these meatballs have become a staple in our home, perfect not only for dinner but also for game nights, parties, or even meal prep for busy weeks ahead.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Grater, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Frying Pan, Skillet

Why This Ranch Chicken Meatballs Shines

Comfort Food at Its Finest

The Ranch Chicken Meatballs deliver that warm, comforting feeling you crave. Each meatball is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them a satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Family-Friendly Fun

These meatballs are a hit with kids! They’re easy to eat and can be served in a variety of ways. Whether placed on a bed of pasta, nestled in a sub, or enjoyed as an appetizer, they’re sure to please even the fussiest of eaters.

Versatile Recipe

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can tweak the seasoning or serve them with different sides to keep the meal fresh. Feeling like an Italian night? Serve them with marinara sauce! Want something comforting? Pair them with creamy mashed potatoes.

Simple Preparation

One of the best parts about these meatballs is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can whip up a batch in no time. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that doesn’t break the bank.

Meal Prep Friendly

Make a double batch of Ranch Chicken Meatballs and store them for later! They freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep. Just heat them up when you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss.

What You’ll Need for Ranch Chicken Meatballs

When creating Ranch Chicken Meatballs, the synergy of the ingredients makes all the difference. The combination of ground chicken, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese brings a unique flavor profile that is creamy, tangy, and satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring that the meatballs are both flavorful and moist.

1 pound ground chicken: The star of the dish, providing a lean protein base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
1 egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together.
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Adds a delightful crunch and helps to keep the meatballs light.
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides additional aromatic flavors that complement the ranch seasoning.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the meatballs.
Pepper to taste: Adds a hint of spice; adjust according to your preference.
2 tablespoons olive oil for frying: Essential for achieving a perfect golden-brown crust on the meatballs.
1 cup low sodium chicken broth: Creates a delicious sauce that the meatballs simmer in, infusing them with flavor.
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: This is the secret weapon that brings the dish to life!
1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives a punchy flavor boost.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the flavors beautifully.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.

Putting Together Ranch Chicken Meatballs

Making Ranch Chicken Meatballs is straightforward and fun! Gather your ingredients and follow these steps to create a dish that will impress anyone. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every bite!

Start by placing all the meatball ingredients, except for the olive oil, into a large mixing bowl. Ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of pepper should all go in. Mix everything together with your hands, being careful not to overwork the mixture. You want it to be combined but still moist. This mixture will be a bit wet, which is perfect for forming tender meatballs.
Next, form about 1-inch meatballs from the mixture, which should yield around 30 small meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This makes for easy cleanup and keeps the meatballs from sticking.
Now, microwave the cream cheese for about 20 to 30 seconds until it’s soft. You can cut it into smaller pieces to help it melt faster.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches. Fry them until they’re golden brown all over, which should take about 5 minutes per batch. Utilize tongs for flipping them, as they’ll brown quickly. If you find that the skillet needs more oil for the second batch, feel free to add a splash more.
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and turn off the burner briefly to let the pan cool slightly. If there’s excess oil in the skillet, you can drain it, but do keep the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Now, add the chicken broth, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, and softened cream cheese back into the skillet. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring often so it melts into a smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, just add a splash more water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, or until they’re cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Stir occasionally to allow the meatballs to absorb the delicious sauce. If the sauce is bubbling too aggressively, you might want to turn the heat down a bit.
Once fully cooked, stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. These meatballs are now ready to serve, so enjoy them immediately!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
Rest the mixture: Allowing the meatball mixture to rest for a few minutes can help the flavors meld.
Check for doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken meatballs are cooked through.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other seasonings or herbs to customize the meatballs to your preference.

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to ensure your Ranch Chicken Meatballs are a hit!

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pairing: Serve these meatballs over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for a kick!
Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavor profile even more.

How to Enjoy Ranch Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to serving Ranch Chicken Meatballs, the possibilities are endless!

Over Pasta: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice, topped with parmesan and fresh herbs for a comforting Italian twist.
As Sliders: Place them in slider buns for delightful mini sandwiches, perfect for parties and gatherings.
With Salad: Pair them with a green salad and your favorite dressing for a light yet satisfying meal.
Dippable Appetizers: Serve them warm with toothpicks and a side of ranch or marinara sauce for dipping at your next get-together.
For Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch and portion them out for easy lunches throughout the week. They reheat beautifully!

FAQ

Absolutely! While Ranch Chicken Meatballs are traditionally made with chicken, ground turkey is a great alternative. Just keep in mind that turkey can sometimes be drier, so you might want to adjust the moisture levels by adding a bit more cream cheese or broth.

The best way to ensure your meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut one open to check that the inside is no longer pink and that the juices run clear.

Yes! You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two before cooking. Additionally, cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to three months, making meal prep a breeze.

Ranch Chicken Meatballs are versatile! They pair wonderfully with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or served with a side salad. You can also offer them as appetizers with your favorite dipping sauces!

Conclusion

These Ranch Chicken Meatballs are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that truly elevate any meal. They’re not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying and versatile. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and see how quickly they become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite and make lasting memories around your dinner table!