Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (Gluten Free Keto) 
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Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (Gluten Free Keto) – flavorful chicken parmesan meatballs in a savory marinara, perfect for gluten free, keto, and non-keto diets. Budget and family friendly and ready in under 30 minutes!
This recipe was originally published in June 2016 and updated in January 2019
The Best Chicken Parmesan Meatball Recipe
All of the fabulous flavor of Chicken Parmesan in bite sized meatball form! If you’re craving Chicken Parmesan and trying to limit your carbs, this recipe is for you. These Chicken Parmesan Meatballs are a healthy and fast alternative that the family will go crazy for. I love these as an appetizer or main dish with pasta or zoodles.
Ground chicken, parmesan, almond meal, and plenty of fresh basil make up these tasty chicken parm meatballs. I love to try different varieties of meatballs, and this is one is simple, tasty, and reminiscent of a hearty Italian meal. For those following a Gluten Free or Ketogenic Diet, these meatballs hit the spot! But you certainly don’t need to be eating a special diet to enjoy this recipe…these chicken parmesan meatballs are a treat no matter what!
Curious about Keto? What is the Ketogenic Diet?
Chances are you’ve heard about Keto or know someone who has tried the Ketogenic diet recently. It’s getting lots of attention and gaining popularity for its effectiveness. So here’s the deal – Keto is a low carb diet for those whose primary goal is weight loss. The Keto diet consists of fat and protein as its main source of calories, with only limited carbs (typically under 50 grams per day) allowed. Most refined carbs (white sugar, flour, bread, pasta, etc.) are eliminated.
By eating fewer carbs, your body begins using stored protein and fat for energy rather than running off of blood sugar. This is called ketosis and usually results in weight loss. A typical Keto meal plan would include a good amount of healthy fats, protein, plenty of veggies, and limited fruit. Some believe in the theory that Keto is simply a fat loading diet, heavy in foods like bacon and cheese. While this method may assist in entering ketosis, it is certainly not the healthiest way to implement a Keto diet and is not sustainable long term. If you are considering the Ketogenic diet, my recommendation is to do plenty of research first. One great resource I highly recommend for a nutrition-based approach to Keto is Diane Sanfilippo’s book, Keto Quick Start: A Beginner’s Guide to a Whole Foods Ketogenic Diet.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken
- Egg
- Parmesan cheese – use freshly grated parmesan if possible.
- Almond flour – bread crumbs may be substituted if you’re not concerned with keeping this gluten/carb free.
- Seasonings: basil, garlic powder
- Marinara Sauce – choose a store-bought variety with no sugar added and minimal ingredients or make your own Homemade Marinara
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- You will need ground chicken, egg, parmesan cheese, almond meal, basil, and garlic powder to make these gluten free meatballs. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and form into small meatballs with your hands.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 10 minutes at 425 degrees.
- While the meatballs are baking, whip up a quick marinara. I prefer homemade marinara so that I can limit the sodium and sugar content, but store-bought sauce would work just great here too! Be careful though, most sauces at the grocery store will contain sugar. Thrive Market is my favorite source for Whole30 and Keto approved products like jarred marinara. They have the highest quality organic and specialty products at a discount!
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and serve with an additional sprinkling of parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs Tips & Variations
- Double the meatball recipe and store extra in the freezer for quick lunches or dinners.
- Serve with Instant Pot Spaghetti Sauce (with hidden veggies)
- Top with fresh mozzarella cheese if desired!
- Instead of baking, pan fry the meatballs in olive oil by browning on all sides and then adding to the sauce to finish cooking.
- Add a teaspoon of my Homemade Italian Seasoning to the meatballs and/or sauce for an extra flavor boost.
More Meatball Recipes
Gluten Free Baked Chicken Meatballs
Mediterranean Turkey Meatballs
Instant Pot Meatballs & Marinara
Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (Gluten Free Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup almond meal/flour
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. For the meatballs, combine chicken, almond meal, egg, parmesan, basil, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Form into small, one inch meatballs and place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, and salt. Bring to a low boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Place cooked meatballs in the sauce and top with additional parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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Whole30
Vegetarian
Paleo
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
One Comment on “Chicken Parmesan Meatballs (Gluten Free Keto)”
My entire family loved these meatballs. We made them ahead and then reheated for dinner. Quick, easy and yummy. Recommend.