Description
Comforting Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce are a delightful dish that brings warmth and joy to any family meal. With tender chicken meatballs enveloped in a rich and creamy ranch sauce, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: 1 pound
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Ranch Dressing Mix: 1 packet
- Cream: 1/2 cup
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Optional Variations
- Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of ground chicken.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.
- Herb Variations: Use different herbs like parsley or basil.
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the Meatballs: Once the mixture is well combined, use a small scoop or your hands to form meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cook the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the creamy ranch sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream and remaining ranch dressing mix. Heat over medium heat, stirring until it’s smooth and heated through, but do not let it boil.
- Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done, add them to the saucepan with the creamy ranch sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Let them simmer for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavor.
- Do Not Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs; mix until just combined.
- Test for Flavor: Cook a small meatball to taste the seasoning before baking the whole batch.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Add a splash of chicken broth to thin out the sauce if needed.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to absorb more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg