Name: Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Ground Chicken: 1 pound (16 oz); Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced; Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped; Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon; Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon; Egg: 1 large egg; Breadcrumbs: 1/4 cup; Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons, grated; Salt and Pepper: To taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or adjust based on preference); For the Ranch Sauce:; Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup; Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup; Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon; Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon; Fresh Dill (or dried): 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill); Lemon Juice: 1 teaspoon; Salt and Pepper: To taste (about 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, or adjust based on preference)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your dinner routine, these Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce are the answer! They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfectly paired with a smooth and creamy ranch sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. These meatballs are a great option for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a tasty appetizer for your next get-together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

These chicken meatballs are a lighter alternative to the classic beef or pork meatballs, yet they’re just as flavorful and satisfying. The creamy ranch sauce adds an irresistible finishing touch that makes every bite taste like pure comfort food. Whether you’re serving them with veggies, in wraps, or on their own, these meatballs will quickly become a new favorite in your house!

Ingredients

Here’s a look at the basic ingredients for the meatballs and ranch sauce (full ingredient list below):

Ground chicken
Garlic
Fresh parsley
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Egg and breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese (for added flavor)

For the ranch sauce:

Greek yogurt
Mayonnaise
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Fresh dill (or dried if you prefer)
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Directions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, garlic, parsley, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together gently until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, or the meatballs might be tough.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make about 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs, making sure not to crowd the pan. Cook them in batches if necessary. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes total. Once browned, reduce the heat and cook for another 5-6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce
While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the ranch sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 5: Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate. Drizzle with the creamy ranch sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Expert Tips and Tricks

If you want to add a bit of heat, you can stir in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the ranch sauce for a spicy kick.
To keep the meatballs extra juicy, don’t overcook them. If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re at the correct temperature.
You can use ground turkey instead of chicken if that’s what you have on hand—both work well in this recipe.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
You can replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative or simply omit it if you’re looking to make it dairy-free.
Try adding finely chopped spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini into the meatball mixture for extra vegetables.
For a lighter version of the ranch sauce, you can substitute the mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce are great on their own as a snack or appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try serving them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. They’d also be fantastic in wraps with some lettuce and fresh veggies, or as part of a platter with dip and pita.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover meatballs and ranch sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat the meatballs, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave them until warmed through. You can also reheat the ranch sauce in the microwave for a few seconds or serve it chilled.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare and shape the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can save you time on a busy day.

2. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.

3. Can I use a different sauce with these meatballs?
Of course! While the creamy ranch sauce is amazing, you can try other sauces like marinara, BBQ sauce, or even a honey mustard sauce for a different flavor.

4. Are these meatballs gluten-free?
If you substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour, these meatballs can easily be made gluten-free. The ranch sauce is naturally gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

These Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce are a perfect mix of comfort food and healthy eating, and they’re sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or something to serve at your next gathering, these meatballs are versatile, delicious, and easy to make. The creamy ranch sauce is the perfect complement, adding an extra layer of richness that’s hard to resist. Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!