Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus.
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s light, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients, look no further than Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus. These delightful meatballs are infused with vibrant lemon zest and fresh herbs, making them the perfect addition to a fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dish. Pairing them with creamy hummus elevates the meal, transforming a simple dinner into something truly special. Serve it over fluffy white rice, topped with juicy tomatoes and crumbled feta, and you have a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of lemon and herbs gives these meatballs a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these meatballs on rice, in a wrap, or on a salad for a healthy meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored for later use.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
What You’ll Gather
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean protein that forms the base of our meatballs.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: For an aromatic punch.
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- ¾ cup seasoned bread crumbs: Adds texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish with a fresh taste.
- 2 tablespoons dried chives: Enhances the herby flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated lemon zest: For that zesty kick.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To season to taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the meatballs.
- 1 cup hummus: A creamy, delicious dip to accompany the meatballs.
- 2 cups white rice: A hearty base for the dish.
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes: Freshness and color added to the plate.
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: For a salty, creamy topping.
- Lemon wedges: For spritzing over the top before serving.
Gear Checklist
- Mixing bowl: For combining all the meatball ingredients.
- Baking sheet: To place meatballs before cooking.
- Skillet or frying pan: For cooking the meatballs.
- Rice cooker or pot: To prepare the white rice.
- Serving platter: To present your beautifully arranged dish.
Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus. in Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Begin by cooking your white rice according to package instructions. This will be the base of your dish, so it’s best to get it started first.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, beaten egg, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped parsley, dried chives, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
With your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the pan in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Prepare the Hummus
While the meatballs are cooking, you can prepare your hummus. If you have store-bought hummus, it’s ready to go. If you’re making your own, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Once the rice is cooked and the meatballs are ready, it’s time to assemble your dish. Start with a bed of rice, add the meatballs, a generous scoop of hummus, and top with chopped tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus with lemon wedges on the side for spritzing. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Substitutions by Category
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer.
- Herbs: Fresh dill or cilantro can replace parsley for a different flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats for a gluten-free option.
- Rice: Quinoa or couscous works well as an alternative base.
- Hummus: Any flavored hummus, such as roasted red pepper, can add a twist.
Author’s Commentary
Creating this recipe was an absolute joy, as it combines so many of my favorite flavors. The freshness of the herbs and lemon really shines through in the meatballs, while the hummus adds a creamy contrast that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is perfect for gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner—it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, I love how customizable it is; you can adjust the herbs and toppings based on what you have on hand. It’s a dish that feels special yet is simple enough for everyday cooking.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you’re in for a treat! Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors only get better as they sit! For meal prep, consider making a double batch of meatballs and freezing them. They freeze wonderfully and can be pulled out for a quick meal anytime. Just cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reader Q&A
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
What can I serve instead of rice?
If you’re looking for alternatives, quinoa, couscous, or even a fresh salad make great bases for this dish. Roasted vegetables could also be a wonderful addition.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture. You can also serve with a spicy hummus or add sliced jalapeños on top.
Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before mixing the ingredients. It’s important for even cooking and to ensure the meatballs hold together well.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into this culinary adventure. With the vibrant flavors of Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus, your taste buds are in for a delightful treat. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to savor every bite of this wonderfully refreshing meal!
Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Rice - Begin by cooking your white rice according to package instructions. This will be the base of your dish, so it’s best to get it started first.
- Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, minced garlic, beaten egg, seasoned bread crumbs, chopped parsley, dried chives, lemon zest, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Step 3: Form the Meatballs - With your hands, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 4: Cook the Meatballs - Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the pan in batches, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 5: Prepare the Hummus - While the meatballs are cooking, you can prepare your hummus. If you have store-bought hummus, it’s ready to go. If you’re making your own, blend chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
- Step 6: Assemble the Dish - Once the rice is cooked and the meatballs are ready, it’s time to assemble your dish. Start with a bed of rice, add the meatballs, a generous scoop of hummus, and top with chopped tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy - Serve your Herby Lemon Chicken Meatballs and Hummus with lemon wedges on the side for spritzing. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Notes
- For a different flavor, substitute ground turkey or beef for the chicken.
- Make these meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats for a gluten-free option.
