Chicken meatballs are a versatile ingredient that can be served in many delicious ways. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of some of the most popular options for what to eat with chicken meatballs.
Pasta
One of the most classic pairings is to serve chicken meatballs with pasta. The meatballs can be simmered in your favorite pasta sauce and then served over spaghetti, penne, or any other pasta shape. The sauce helps to keep the meatballs moist. Popular pasta sauce choices include marinara, alfredo, tomato cream, and pesto.
Rice
Chicken meatballs also pair nicely with rice. Cooked white or brown rice makes a simple base for seared, baked, or simmered meatballs. For more flavor, you can cook the rice in broth or mix in herbs and spices. Top meatballs over rice with any sauces like teriyaki, cream, mustard, or gravy.
Soups
Drop chicken meatballs into soups like chicken noodle, tomato, tortellini, or minestrone. The meatballs will cook right in the broth and add extra protein.
Salads
For a main dish salad, top your favorite greens or grain bowls with warm, pan-seared chicken meatballs. The contrast of temperatures and textures is delicious. Drizzle with vinaigrette, creamy ranch, or tangy Greek yogurt dressing.
Sandwiches
Chicken meatballs make flavorful sandwich fillings when served on rolls, ciabatta, or flatbread with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and condiments like mustard, mayo, or barbecue sauce.
Kabobs
Thread chicken meatballs onto skewers with vegetables like peppers, mushrooms, onions, and pineapple for easy kabobs. Brush with a teriyaki glaze and grill to perfection.
Bowls
Build a bowl with chicken meatballs as the star ingredient and top with grains like quinoa, rice, or farro along with sauteed veggies, greens, cheese, and sauce. The flavors and textures come together beautifully.
Pizzas
Use chicken meatballs as a fun pizza topping in place of sausage or pepperoni. The meatballs go nicely with classic pizza toppings like peppers, onions, olives, basil, cheese, and tomato sauce.
Appetizers
For easy finger food, shape and bake bite-sized chicken meatballs. Serve with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like barbecue, sweet and sour, ranch, or hummus.
10 Popular Ways to Serve Chicken Meatballs
To summarize some of the most popular options covered already, here are 10 great ways to eat chicken meatballs:
| Serving Method | Recipe Ideas |
|---|---|
| With pasta | Marinara, alfredo, pesto, tomato cream sauce |
| Over rice | White, brown, seasoned rice like cilantro-lime |
| In soups | Chicken noodle, tomato, tortellini |
| On salads | Caesar, taco salad, grain bowls |
| On sandwiches | Subs, paninis, rolls with fixings |
| On kabobs | With veggies, teriyaki glaze |
| In bowls | Over quinoa, rice, farro with veggies |
| On pizzas | Margherita, veggie, white pizza |
| As appetizers | Baked bites with dipping sauces |
| In casseroles | Enchiladas, lasagna, eggplant parm |
What ingredients go well with chicken meatballs?
Chicken meatballs are very versatile and pair well with a wide variety of ingredients. Here are some top options for ingredients that complement the flavor and texture of chicken meatballs:
- Pasta – spaghetti, penne, farfalle, linguine
- Rice – white, brown, jasmine, basmati, risotto
- Vegetables – mushrooms, onions, peppers, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes
- Fruits – pineapple, peaches, mango
- Herbs – basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, oregano, thyme
- Sauces – marinara, alfredo, pesto, tomato cream, curry, gravy
- Cheese – mozzarella, parmesan, feta, cheddar, goat
- Breads – sub/hoagie rolls, ciabatta, flatbread, pita
- Grains – quinoa, couscous, farro, barley, orzo
- Broths – chicken, beef, vegetable
The possibilities are endless! Try mixing and matching chicken meatballs with your favorite ingredients to create customized meals for any occasion.
What are some easy chicken meatball recipe ideas?
Chicken meatballs are easy to whip up and can be incorporated into all kinds of delicious recipes. Here are 5 quick and easy chicken meatball recipe ideas:
1. Chicken Meatball Subs
Season chicken meatballs with Italian herbs and bake until cooked through. Serve on sub rolls topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, sautéed peppers and onions, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Chicken Meatball Soup
Simmer chicken meatballs in chicken broth with veggies like carrots, celery, onion, and spinach. Season with garlic, parsley, salt and pepper.
3. Chicken Meatball Kabobs
Thread chicken meatballs onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, mushrooms, and pineapple chunks. Brush with teriyaki sauce and grill.
4. Chicken Meatball Salad
Sear seasoned chicken meatballs in a skillet until browned. Toss while warm over a salad of mixed greens, chickpeas, feta, and tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette.
5. Chicken Meatball Sliders
Shape chicken meatballs to fit on mini buns. Top with pesto mayo, sautéed onions, pepper jack cheese, and pickles. Bake 10 minutes until hot and melty.
How do you make basic chicken meatballs?
Making basic chicken meatballs at home is easy. Here is a simple recipe and step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1⁄4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended.
- Shape into 1-2 inch balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Remove from oven and enjoy as desired!
Season and bake the meatballs simply, then use them in any of the recipes suggested above like pastas, salads, or sandwiches. Get creative with your own flavors and ingredients!
Conclusion
Chicken meatballs are extremely versatile and can be served in endless delicious ways. Popular options include serving them over pasta or rice, in soups and salads, on sandwiches and pizzas, as appetizers, and in many ethnic dishes. Mix and match with your favorite ingredients like veggies, fruits, herbs, sauces, cheeses and more. Chicken meatballs can be shaped into sliders, kabobs, baked bites and more. Make basic homemade meatballs in just minutes. Now that you know the many possibilities for what to eat with chicken meatballs, get cooking up some delicious recipes!