Looking for a flavor-packed comfort food that fits perfectly into your healthy eating routine? Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs deliver on every front: juicy, vibrant, and hearty, they’re loaded with lean protein, fresh greens, and just enough cheesy richness to make your taste buds sing. The best part: they come together in no time and can be served in countless creative ways, making them an unbeatable main for anyone embracing a low carb lifestyle but craving something seriously satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs pulls its weight, whether it’s adding moisture, boosting flavor, or sneaking in extra nutrients. Get your mixing bowl ready—this is the sort of recipe where quality ingredients truly shine.
- Ground Chicken: Keeps the meatballs lean, tender, and packed with protein for a lighter twist on a classic favorite.
- Fresh Spinach (1 cup, finely chopped): Adds fresh flavor and gorgeous green flecks, plus an extra punch of vitamins and color.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Brings savory depth and a subtle salty kick that melts right into every bite.
- Almond Flour (1/4 cup): Binds the mixture without carbs or gluten—plus, it gives a mild nutty taste and keeps things tender.
- Large Egg: Acting as the glue, it helps hold the meatballs together beautifully while adding richness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A must for any meatball, it infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and deliciously bold notes.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtly sweetens and rounds out the background flavor, giving each bite savory depth.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of Mediterranean-inspired herbal flavor takes these meatballs over the top.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Seasons the whole batch, ensuring the flavors pop just right.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, peppery finish that livens up the chicken and spinach.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Helps the meatballs brown up perfectly in the skillet and adds a subtle richness.
How to Make Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—this will make the whole process cleaner and easier. Add in your ground chicken, finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan, almond flour, egg, garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together using clean hands or a sturdy spoon. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the meatballs tough; just combine until all the ingredients look evenly distributed and the spinach is speckled throughout.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Portion the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using either a small cookie scoop or your hands. This size is perfect for ensuring the Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs cook through quickly and stay tender. The mixture may be a bit sticky, but a light touch (and slightly damp hands) will help keep things neat and uniform.
Step 3: Sear and Cook
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary so you get an even golden crust. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes to brown all sides. Your kitchen will smell absolutely delicious as the garlic and herbs sizzle away!
Step 4: Let Them Rest
When the meatballs are golden and cooked through (no pink in the center), transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This quick pause gives the juices inside time to settle, so every bite of your Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs stays moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese over the top adds an inviting pop of color and a final hit of flavor. Drizzle with a touch of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness if you’re feeling fancy—these little touches really make the Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs shine on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair these meatballs with zucchini noodles tossed in your favorite low-carb marinara for a classic Italian vibe, or serve them atop a vibrant salad for a light lunch. They are also wonderful next to roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a creamy mashed cauliflower side—the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, skewer each meatball on a toothpick with a cherry tomato for a colorful appetizer tray. Or tuck them into lettuce wraps with a garlicky yogurt sauce for a fun, fresh meal. Honestly, the Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs are just as great warm in meal-prep containers—so you can enjoy them all week, no matter where you are.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. They make a convenient, protein-packed snack or ready-to-go meal base.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep, the Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Stack them in a single layer for easy portioning, and use within two months for best flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, just pop the meatballs into a microwave-safe dish and warm in 30-second bursts. For a crispier exterior, reheat them in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes—this brings them back to life with hardly any effort!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Make sure to thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing it in. This keeps your Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs from getting watery and helps them hold their shape.
Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?
Yes, and it’s incredibly easy. Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until they’re cooked through and golden brown. Baking is hands-off and great when you want to make a big batch.
Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey is an excellent alternative and works almost identically in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but equally tasty, so the Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs remain juicy and delicious.
What sauces pair well with these meatballs?
Classic low-carb marinara is a winner, but you could also try a pesto drizzle, creamy garlic sauce, or even a tangy tzatziki for a Mediterranean twist. The versatility of Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs means they soak up any sauce beautifully.
How do I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?
Make sure you heat your olive oil until it shimmers before adding the meatballs, and avoid moving them too soon—let them develop a crust before turning. This ensures the Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs get evenly browned and release easily from the skillet.
Final Thoughts
These Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs have quickly become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—they’re fast, flexible, and so flavorful! I hope you give this recipe a try, experiment with your favorite sides, and make it your own. Let these meatballs become your new go-to for easy, healthy comfort food!
PrintLow Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful and wholesome dish perfect for a low-carb or keto diet. Packed with protein and nutrients from fresh spinach, these meatballs are easy to make and pair well with various sides.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 meatballs (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, spinach, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a scoop.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Serve: Rest the meatballs before serving.
Notes
- Pair with zucchini noodles, low-carb marinara, or a side salad.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg