Description
For the Meatballs
1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
For the Garlic Chickpeas
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and black pepper until combined.
Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley.
Serve meatballs over garlic chickpeas, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cooking Time: 20 minutes, Total Time: 35 minutes, Kcal: 480 per serving, Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground chicken, ricotta, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form the Meatballs: With slightly damp hands, roll the mixture into uniform 1-inch balls. This ensures even cooking. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake the Meatballs: In a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, bake for 18-20 minutes. They are done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Cook the Garlic Chickpeas: While meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add drained chickpeas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to get slightly crispy.
5. Finish & Combine: Remove the chickpea skillet from heat and stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice. Serve the baked meatballs directly over the warm garlic chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile. For a complete meal, serve it over a bed of lemon-herb quinoa, couscous, or creamy polenta. A simple side of roasted broccoli or a crisp arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. Garnish with extra chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
How-to Summary
Combine chicken, cheeses, and seasonings to form meatball mixture. Roll into 1-inch balls and bake at 400°F for 18-20 mins. Simultaneously, sauté garlic and spices with chickpeas in a skillet for 5-7 mins. Finish chickpeas with lemon and parsley. Serve meatballs over the spiced chickpeas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will yield a similar result. Ensure it is not too lean to maintain moisture.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time? Absolutely. You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them on the baking sheet, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them raw on the sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart? The combination of egg, breadcrumbs, and ricotta acts as a binder. Ensure your mixture is well-combined but not overworked, and chill it for 15 minutes before rolling if it feels too soft.
Are canned chickpeas okay, or should I use dried? Canned chickpeas are perfect for this recipe for convenience. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid.
Can I cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of the oven? You can pan-fry them in olive oil over medium heat, turning frequently, for about 10-12 minutes. Baking is recommended for even cooking and less hands-on effort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients, as this can make them dense and tough. Do not skip draining and rinsing the chickpeas, as the canning liquid can make the final dish mushy. Be careful not to burn the minced garlic when starting the chickpeas; cook it just until fragrant (about 1 minute). Finally, ensure your meatballs are of uniform size so they all finish cooking at the same time.
Conclusion
These Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs with Garlic Chickpeas offer a delicious, protein-packed meal that is both elegant and easy enough for a weeknight. The bright, zesty meatballs pair perfectly with the warmly spiced, crispy chickpeas, creating a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. With simple ingredients and clear steps, this recipe is a surefire way to bring a restaurant-quality dish to your home table.
