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Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pistachio Chicken Meatball Bowls

Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pistachio Chicken Meatball Bowls

The ultimate comfort food, Sheet Pan Jalapeño Pistachio Chicken Meatball Bowls combine juicy meatballs with crispy chickpeas and fluffy couscous. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this vibrant dish brings together delightful flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Make it tonight for a meal that the whole family will love!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup shelled roasted pistachios salted or unsalted will work
  • 1 pound lean ground chicken or sub turkey
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs gluten free if desired
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small lemon zest from
  • 1 medium jalapeño seeded and very finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro very finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley very finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • 1 15-ounce can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • cups pearl couscous
  • cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley mixed with cilantro
  • ¼ cup feta crumbled
  • ¼ cup pistachios chopped shelled
  • ½ cup pickled red onion or thinly sliced red onion
  • 1 large warm pita optional, but so delicious for scooping!

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Frying Pan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Food Processor

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Add pistachios to the bowl of a food processor and process on high until finely ground, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ground pistachios, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, lemon zest, jalapeño, cilantro, parsley, honey, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and coriander. Mix with clean hands until well incorporated.
  4. Fill a small bowl with water. Form the mixture into 16 golf ball-sized meatballs, dipping your hands in water between each one to prevent sticking.
  5. In a medium bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the sheet pan around the meatballs.
  6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the meatballs.
  7. In a medium pot, bring 2¼ cups of low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Stir in couscous and kosher salt. Reduce heat to low and cook until all liquid is absorbed.
  8. On a shallow bowl or plate, add spicy green feta sauce, then a scoop of couscous, followed by the meatballs and chickpeas. Garnish as desired.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs before cooking. Just form them, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ground meats or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version!
  • Spicy Kick: If you love spice, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mixture.