Name: Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (preferably thighs); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (plus more for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 2 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream

I’ve made a lot of comfort meals in my kitchen, but few have the power to gather everyone around the table like these Garlic Butter Chicken Balls. Juicy, tender, golden-browned chicken meatballs nestled over creamy pasta—every bite is rich with buttery garlic flavor, a hint of herbs, and that perfect contrast of crispy exterior and soft, moist center. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet light enough to eat on a regular weeknight.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it over spaghetti, tuck it in sliders, or even enjoy it solo with a salad. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, it never fails to deliver pure satisfaction. The creamy garlic butter sauce alone is worth licking the plate for.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe

Ultra juicy chicken balls, golden and tender with every bite.
Rich garlic butter sauce that elevates humble ingredients to restaurant-level flavor.
Quick and easy to whip up on a weeknight, but elegant enough for guests.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing, with simple ingredients you already have.
Perfectly pairs with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a full meal.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best results, I always go with ground chicken thighs. They have a bit more fat than breast meat, which keeps the chicken balls moist and flavorful. If you’re aiming for something leaner, ground chicken breast works too, but be mindful not to overcook it—it can dry out faster.

If you only have chicken breasts or thighs at home, you can also grind them yourself in a food processor. This way, you control the texture and freshness. Just pulse the meat until it resembles coarse ground chicken—don’t overdo it or it’ll become paste-like.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re working with different dietary needs or pantry limitations, there are plenty of great swaps:

Ground Turkey – A lean alternative that still makes juicy meatballs.
Breadcrumbs – Panko adds great texture, but crushed crackers or even oats can work in a pinch.
Butter Alternatives – Use ghee for a nuttier flavor or plant-based butter for dairy-free diets.
Cream – Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a non-dairy twist; it gives a rich texture and subtle sweetness.
Cheese – Parmesan is classic, but Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast are good options if you need alternatives.

These swaps won’t compromise the delicious outcome but let you tweak the dish to fit your lifestyle or what’s already in your kitchen.

Ingredients for This Garlic Butter Chicken Balls Recipe

Every ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Ground Chicken: The star of the show—mild, tender, and perfect for soaking up the buttery garlic sauce.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together while keeping them juicy inside.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a touch of saltiness to the meat mixture.
Egg: Acts as a binder so the chicken balls hold their shape.
Garlic (minced): The heart of this recipe—it’s used in both the meatballs and the sauce for a double hit of flavor.
Butter: Creates that rich, glossy garlic butter sauce and adds a silky finish.
Heavy Cream: Thickens the sauce and adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the chicken mixture and the sauce to taste.
Fresh Parsley or Chives: For color, freshness, and a light herby finish.
Olive Oil: Used for pan-frying the chicken balls to a golden brown.

You can also add a touch of chili flakes or paprika if you like a little heat or smokiness. This is a flexible dish, but each of these ingredients is thoughtfully chosen to deliver flavor and balance.

Step 1: Mix the Chicken Ball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, egg, chopped parsley (or chives), salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix until everything is just combined—don’t overwork it or the meatballs can become dense.

Step 2: Form the Chicken Balls

Scoop out portions of the mixture (about 1 to 1½ tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. You should end up with roughly 16–20 balls depending on your size preference. Place them on a tray or plate.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Balls

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken balls in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for about 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown on all sides. They don’t have to be fully cooked yet—just nicely browned.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add butter. Once melted, stir in more minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom for extra flavor.

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken Balls

Return the browned chicken balls to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 7–10 minutes, or until the chicken balls are fully cooked through and tender. Spoon some sauce over the top as they cook to keep them moist.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the garlic butter chicken balls hot over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite base. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.

How Long to Cook the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

The total cooking time for this dish is around 25 to 30 minutes:

10 minutes for prepping and mixing the chicken ball mixture.
5 to 7 minutes to brown them in the skillet.
7 to 10 minutes of gentle simmering in the garlic butter sauce until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Keep an eye on them during the simmer—once they’re firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center, they’re ready.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Balls

Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Just combine until it holds together—this keeps the texture tender.
Use a cookie scoop or oiled hands to portion out evenly sized meatballs for consistent cooking.
Brown, not burn. Medium heat is ideal when searing the chicken balls so you get golden color without drying them out.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or water before adding cream if your garlic starts to brown too quickly.
Simmer gently, not rapidly. A soft simmer helps the sauce thicken and the meatballs cook through while staying juicy.
Finish with herbs right before serving for a fresh, aromatic touch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Garlic Butter Chicken Balls can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are the most common missteps to avoid:

Overmixing the meat mixture: This leads to tough, rubbery chicken balls. Mix just until combined.
Using too lean meat: Ground chicken breast alone can result in dryness. Opt for a blend or add a bit of olive oil or cream to the mix.
Skipping the browning step: You might be tempted to simmer the balls raw in sauce, but browning adds vital flavor and texture.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast, especially in butter. Keep the heat low and stir constantly while it sautés.
Overcooking the sauce: Boiling the cream can cause it to split. Keep it at a gentle simmer once the cream is added.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Balls?

These chicken balls are ultra-flexible and can go with many sides to create a full, satisfying meal.

Crusty Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up the rich, buttery sauce. Bonus: more garlic!

Buttered Pasta

A simple spaghetti or fettuccine tossed in olive oil or butter makes a great bed for the chicken balls.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the garlic butter sauce and add that cozy, homestyle vibe.

Light Garden Salad

Balance the richness with something fresh and crisp—use vinaigrette to cut through the butter.

Steamed Rice

Fluffy white or jasmine rice acts like a blank canvas to soak up all that savory sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast up some broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy, textured side.

Parmesan Polenta

Creamy, cheesy polenta is another comforting base that complements the chicken balls wonderfully.

Storage Instructions

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls store and reheat like a dream, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Make sure the chicken balls are fully cooled before sealing.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken balls (with or without sauce) for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then freeze on a tray before transferring to a zip-top bag or container to prevent sticking.
Reheating: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream, broth, or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying them out.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Note: Based on a yield of 4 servings

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fiber: <1g
Sugar: ~1g
Sodium: ~480mg
Cholesterol: ~145mg

This will vary depending on substitutions or additions like pasta, bread, or sides. The base recipe itself is high in protein and rich in flavor, making it a satisfying low-carb main when served solo or with veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of ground chicken?

You can swap ground chicken with ground turkey for a leaner option, or even ground pork for a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on fat content.

Can I bake the chicken balls instead of frying?

Absolutely. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken balls on a lined baking sheet for about 18–20 minutes, turning once halfway through for even browning.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since it includes breadcrumbs. But you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and serving it with rice or gluten-free pasta.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs as binders. Also, avoid flipping them too early when browning—give them time to set on one side before turning.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the chicken balls a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze them raw—just thaw before cooking.

What kind of pasta works best with this dish?

Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti are all great options. You want a pasta that can hold onto the creamy garlic sauce well.

Can I double the sauce?

Definitely. If you’re serving with pasta or rice, doubling the sauce is a great idea so every bite gets coated with that garlic butter goodness.

How do I know when the chicken balls are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C). Or slice one open to check that it’s no longer pink inside.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Balls are one of those recipes I return to again and again. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but rich and flavorful enough to impress guests. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or scooping them up with a hunk of bread, this dish brings serious comfort and satisfaction to the table.

If you’re someone who enjoys bold flavor, a creamy finish, and minimal fuss in the kitchen, you’ll love everything about this recipe. Try it once—and I promise, it’ll earn a regular spot in your rotation.