Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe

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Golden-crusted, tender chicken meatballs cloaked in a silky garlic butter sauce and nestled atop strands of creamy pasta—this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. The richness of the butter, mellowed with garlic and a touch of cream, turns everyday ingredients into something you’ll crave again and again. It’s quick enough for weeknights and special enough to serve guests.

What makes these chicken balls special is their versatility. You can pair them with spaghetti for a hearty dinner, serve them on toothpicks as appetizers at a gathering, or even tuck them into rolls for a gourmet sandwich. The flavor base is simple, but the results are packed with richness and umami.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Ground chicken is the way to go here—it’s lean, mild, and blends beautifully with herbs and garlic. You can use either breast or thigh meat, though thigh will yield a juicier bite. If you can’t find ground chicken, pulsing boneless, skinless thighs in a food processor does the trick.

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Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe

• Ground Chicken: Forms the base of the meatballs, offering a tender texture and mild flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the mixture and absorb moisture, keeping the balls light and not dense.
• Egg: Provides structure and keeps everything held together during cooking.
• Garlic: Both in the meatballs and the butter sauce, garlic delivers a punch of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami-rich depth and melds with the buttery sauce beautifully.
• Butter: Essential for the sauce, delivering a creamy richness that coats the pasta and chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Turns the garlic butter into a luscious sauce with just enough body.
• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine works best for catching all that silky sauce.
• Fresh Parsley or Chives: A finishing touch that adds color and freshness.

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How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe

Step 1: Make the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the balls tender.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Chicken Balls

Form the mixture into small, even-sized balls. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil and cook the balls in batches, turning to brown all sides. Cook until golden and fully cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer gently, stirring frequently. Add a little Parmesan for extra flavor and let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken balls back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Toss the pasta in, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and Parmesan if desired.

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Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

These creamy garlic butter chicken balls are best served immediately over freshly cooked pasta, ensuring every bite is warm, juicy, and coated in that luscious sauce. They’re also great served solo with a dipping sauce or as party bites.

For storing, let the chicken balls and sauce cool completely. Store them separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze the meatballs (without pasta or sauce) for up to a month.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the chicken balls spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or sauce for extra heat.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground turkey or even ground pork works well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

What kind of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, or even fettuccine are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Short pasta like penne can work too.

Is it okay to bake the chicken balls?

Definitely. Bake at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the meatballs and sauce ahead and refrigerate them. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap butter with olive oil and use a dairy-free cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can substitute for Parmesan.

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