This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These chicken meatballs are spicy, juicy, filling and flavorful. They come with cauliflower rice, which makes it a perfect low-carb meal prep option you can store away and have whenever you want. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, low-calorie, and high-protein.
When I don’t have much time to cook, I rely on meal prep. This helps me stay on track with my health without having to invest a lot of time.
Now, meal prepping doesn’t have to be boring, and this chicken meatball meal prep is the perfect example. These meatballs are so juicy and delicious that you are going to look forward each day to having them (I know I do!).
Some are a bit concerned about meal prepping. And, I get it. Initially, I was overwhelmed when it came to meal prep.
Now, going back to the recipe.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItWhat I love about this chicken meatballs meal prep is that you can make it your own. For example, while their recipe uses cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, you can switch to brown rice or quinoa for a more balanced approach.
You can also add other ingredients to switch things up. Try adding some grilled vegetables like cherry tomatoes, carrots, or zucchini.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Chicken Meatballs
Ground chicken (1lb) – You can also use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even a mix of all of them.
Cheddar cheese, shredded (1/2 cup) – If you are trying to cut back on the calories, switch to a low-fat option.
4 cloves garlic – To help you save more time, you can use garlic flakes.
Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Don’t skip this since it adds a lot of flavor. However, you can also use other seasonings, like taco seasoning, to add some variety.
Paprika (1 tsp) – If you don’t have paprika you can use cayenne pepper or chipotle powder (this adds some spice and smokiness).
Onion powder (1 tsp) – You can also use onion flakes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp) – If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip this ingredient.
Fresh parsley, chopped (1/2 cup) – Avoid using dried parsley since fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness to the meal.
Salt and black pepper
Butter (3 tbsp) – Try using ghee for a creamier option.
Fresh lemon (1/2) – we’ll juice it.
Chicken stock (1/2 cup) – other broths will work too.
Sriracha sauce (1 tbsp) – It you don’t like spicy food, you can skip this ingredient.
Cauliflower Rice
2 medium cauliflower heads – For a balanced approach, try using quinoa or brown rice. You can also use broccoli if you want another low-carb option.
Garnish
Chopped parsley
Lemon slices
How to Make Chicken Meatballs Meal Prep
Step 1. Place the cauliflower head into a food processor.
Step 2. Grate the cauliflower until it has a rice-like texture.
Step 3. Place the cauliflower rice into a large bowl and add one cup of water.
Step 4. Cook the cauliflower on the highest setting in the microwave for roughly 5-7 minutes to steam the rice. Keep in mind that you can also steam the cauliflower and place it in the food processor later.
I’ve tried both methods and they create equal results.
Step 5. Grab a large bowl and combine the ground chicken with the cheddar cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 6. Mix everything thoroughly using your hands. Roll up 12 meatballs from the mixture and set them to the side.
Step 7. Place a large skillet to medium-low heat. Add 2 tbsp of butter and cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes on all sides until they are golden brown, and make sure they are cooked through.
One of my favorite tips for adding more flavor is to baste the meatball with the butter juices.
Step 8. Remove the meatballs from the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter, squeeze in the lemon juice, and pour in the chicken stock with the sriracha.
Cook for roughly 4-5 minutes until some of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 9. To assemble, divide the cauliflower rice into 4 food containers. Place 3 meatballs in each container and pour the sauce over the meatballs and rice.
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItLeftovers and Storage
You can store the meal prep containers for 3-4 days. Make sure you have them well sealed.
To eat them, place them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, depending on your microwave. Make sure everything gets cooked.
Can You Mix Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! One of the beauties of meal prepping is that you can adjust it to your needs.
You can place all the ingredients in individual containers, or you can simply prepare some ingredients ahead of time (like the meatballs).
In fact, I’ve found that you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips for Meal Prepping
Meal prepping isn’t just about cooking. It’s about organization. Here are some of the best tips I have to offer to make meal prep work seamlessly for you.
- Choose your meal prep containers. Opt for BPA-free, microwave-safe containers with compartments to keep different components of your meal separate. I love glass containers since they don’t retain odors and are easy to clean.
- Organize your fridge. Keep similar items together and use clean containers so you can easily see what’s inside. Place your meal prep containers at eye level to remind you of your prepped meals, and keep the containers thoroughly labeled.
- Include variety. While I love these chicken meatball meal prep recipes, I always make sure to add different recipes to my week. This provides a diverse range of nutrients to keep me healthy.
Other Meal Prep Ideas
Chicken Meatballs Meal Prep
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp butter divided
- 1/2 fresh lemon juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
Cauliflower Rice
- 2 medium cauliflower heads grated into rice
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon slices
Instructions
Cauliflower Rice
- Make cauliflower rice by grating the cauliflower heads or pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor.
- Cover a large plate with the cauliflower rice, add 1 cup of water, and cook on the highest setting in the microwave for about 5-7 minutes. It’ll steam the cauliflower rice.
- Alternatively, you can steam cauliflower florets and then pulse in a food processor to make the rice.
Chicken Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken with cheddar cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper. Combine well with your hands.
- Roll up 12 meatballs out of the mince and set aside.
- Heat up a large skillet to medium-low heat. Add 2 tbsp of butter and cook the chicken meatballs for 8-10 minutes on all sides until they have browned and cooked through. While cooking, baste the meatballs with the butter juices so they thoroughly cook through.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter to the skillet, squeeze in the lemon juice, and pour in the chicken stock and sriracha sauce. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly until some of the water evaporates.
Meal Prep Assembly
- Divide cauliflower rice into 4 food containers. Top each container with 3 chicken meatballs, and pour the sauce over the meatballs and cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheat in the microwave before eating.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
im in university and i made this to spend less money on outside food and its really good!
So glad, Maia! Enjoy the meal prepping journey. 🥰