Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce
These juicy baked or pan-seared chicken meatballs are loaded with herbs, garlic, and onion — then finished with a tangy, creamy ranch sauce made with Greek yogurt or sour cream. A perfect dish for meal prep, healthy dinners, or serving with roasted vegetables, wraps, or pasta.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 16–18 small meatballs)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
500g (1 lb) ground chicken
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion, grated or finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or grated Parmesan
For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp mayo (optional, for creaminess)
1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar
1 tbsp fresh chopped dill or parsley
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: a splash of buttermilk to thin
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F), or heat a skillet with oil on medium heat.
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
Form into small balls (~1.5 inches).
Bake for 18–20 minutes on a parchment-lined tray OR
Pan-sear in batches, turning until golden brown and cooked through (~10–12 mins total).
2. Make the Ranch Sauce:
Whisk together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Thin with buttermilk or water if needed.
3. Serve:
Serve meatballs hot, drizzled with the creamy ranch sauce or use the sauce for dipping.
Serving Ideas:
Over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes
With roasted vegetables or a simple green salad
Inside lettuce wraps or pita pockets
As a party appetizer with toothpicks
Notes & Tips:
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meatball mix.
Lighter option: Use all Greek yogurt in the sauce for extra protein and less fat.
Storage: Meatballs and sauce keep well refrigerated for 3–4 days. Reheat meatballs gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well with the same measurements.
Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Yes, freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free yogurt or vegan ranch alternative and skip the mayo.
Nutritional Information
Calories ~260–280 kcal
Protein 22–25 g
Carbohydrates 6–8 g
Fat 15–18 g
Saturated Fat ~4 g
Sodium ~450 mg