Living in the Dominican Republic, I’ve learned to get creative in the kitchen—especially when ingredient availability changes week to week. These keto chicken meatballs have become one of our go-to meals because they check every box: low-carb for managing my type 2 diabetes, high-protein to keep the kids full, and packed with flavor even when I can’t find specialty ingredients. Whether I’m prepping meals for busy homeschool days or making a double batch to freeze, these meatballs always hit the spot.
We first started making these meatballs during a week when the power kept going out, and I needed something I could batch-cook quickly. They saved dinner more than once that week.
With four kids to feed, I often double this recipe and freeze half—it makes a great emergency dinner when the day gets away from me.
Fresh parsley grows easily on our patio here, so I always have it on hand—using homegrown herbs gives these meatballs a flavor boost and a little pride in every bite.
Baking at sea level here in the DR can be unpredictable, but I’ve found that using a meat thermometer ensures the meatballs are always perfectly cooked.
These meatballs have been a big help in keeping my blood sugar stable—especially when paired with low-sugar marinara and a salad.
Keto-Friendly Chicken Meatballs
These keto chicken meatballs are a savory blend of ground chicken, spices, and cheese, making them a protein-rich option that pairs well with marinara sauce or on their own. Each bite is bursting with flavor, offering a satisfying experience without the carbs.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Turkey can replace ground chicken for a similar texture and flavor.
- Crushed pork rinds can be used instead of almond flour for an ultra low-carb binder.
- Dried parsley can substitute fresh parsley in a pinch—use 1 teaspoon dried.
- Grated mozzarella can be swapped in for Parmesan for a milder flavor.
- Avocado oil is a good replacement for olive oil if you’re baking at high temps or want a neutral taste.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, almond flour, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy these meatballs hot, drizzled with your favorite marinara sauce or on their own as a tasty snack.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Pro Tips
- Lightly oil your hands before rolling the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform meatball sizes, ensuring even cooking.
- Chill the meatball mixture for 10 minutes before forming if it’s too sticky.
- Always line your baking sheet with parchment to avoid sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Finish with a broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra browning and texture.
Tip from Grammie Shirley
Store any leftover meatballs in a sealed container with a paper towel underneath—they’ll stay fresher longer and won’t get soggy.
Nutrition & Serving Info
- Estimated Per Serving (4 servings total):
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- All nutrition values are estimates.
Q&A
Q: Can I freeze these meatballs before cooking them?
Yes, form the raw meatballs and freeze them on a tray first. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and cook directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
Q: What sauce works best with these meatballs on a keto diet?
Opt for a no-sugar-added marinara sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Q: Can I pan-fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely. Just cook them over medium heat in a skillet with olive oil, turning frequently until browned and cooked through.
Q: What can I serve these with to make it a full meal?
Pair with zoodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Q: How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Final Thoughts
Finding recipes that nourish both body and soul is part of my mission here. These keto chicken meatballs have become a reliable staple—not just for their flavor, but for how easily they fit into our busy, health-conscious lifestyle. I hope they bring the same satisfaction to your table as they do to ours, whether you’re feeding a family or fueling a personal wellness journey.
Hi, I’m Jason—a dad, home cook, and type 2 diabetic living overseas. I created Clean Eats Hub to help people discover simple, delicious, and health-forward meals that support their personal wellness goals. Whether you’re managing blood sugar, pursuing weight loss, or just trying to eat cleaner, I believe healthy food should never feel like a compromise. Here you’ll find real recipes that work for real life—family-tested, flavor-packed, and always nourishing.
