Ranch Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Ranch Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, combining the tender juiciness of chicken with the zesty, creamy flavor of ranch seasoning. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer for your next gathering, or a savory snack that will satisfy everyone. Whether you’re serving them with dipping sauces or adding them to pasta, these meatballs will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Ranch Chicken Meatballs

1. Flavor-Packed: The combination of ranch seasoning and chicken creates a savory, tangy flavor that’s irresistible.
2. Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cooking time, these meatballs are perfect for busy evenings.
3. Versatile: Serve them as appetizers, pair them with a salad, or add them to pasta or rice for a complete meal.
4. Kid-Friendly: The mild, savory flavor is perfect for children and picky eaters.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Combine the Ingredients
   • In a large mixing bowl, add the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt.
   • Pour in the milk, which helps keep the meatballs moist, and mix everything together using your hands or a spoon. The mixture should be slightly sticky but hold its shape when rolled into balls. If it’s too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind it together.
2. Shape the Meatballs
   • Using your hands or a meatball scoop, take about a tablespoon of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is used up. You should have about 18–24 meatballs, depending on your desired size.
   • If you’re looking for uniform meatballs, a scoop can help ensure they’re the same size.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Baking in the Oven

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and develop a slightly crispy exterior.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
3. Bake the Meatballs
   • Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and fully cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal for ground chicken.

Option 2: Pan-Frying on the Stovetop

1. Heat the Oil
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
2. Cook the Meatballs
   • Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs or a spoon. This process should take about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs. Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 3: Make the Dipping Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce
   • In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing with garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice for an extra kick. If you like a more herbaceous flavor, add some fresh dill or parsley.
   • Stir well to ensure everything is incorporated.
2. Adjust Seasonings
   • Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. If you like a thicker sauce, you can add more ranch dressing or a touch of sour cream to thicken it up.

Step 4: Serve the Ranch Chicken Meatballs

1. Plate the Meatballs
   • Once the meatballs are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. Serve them warm, either with the dipping sauce on the side or drizzled over the top, depending on your preference.
2. Garnish (Optional)
   • For added color and flavor, garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect Ranch Chicken Meatballs

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat
   • When mixing the meatball ingredients, try not to overwork the mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is incorporated.
2. Check for Doneness
   • Ground chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the center of one meatball.
3. Customizable Flavor
   • If you want a bit of spice, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture. For extra depth, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped onions or garlic.
4. Make-Ahead Option
   • These meatballs can be made ahead of time. Assemble them, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake or sauté the meatballs as directed.

Variations to Try

1. Cheesy Ranch Chicken Meatballs
   • Add shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to the center of each meatball for a gooey, cheesy surprise when you bite into them.
2. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Meatballs
   • For a spicy twist, mix 2–3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce into the meatball mixture or drizzle it over the cooked meatballs. You can also swap the ranch seasoning for a buffalo ranch seasoning mix.
3. Vegetarian Option
   • For a vegetarian alternative, swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute.
4. Baked in Sauce
   • Instead of serving with dipping sauce on the side, you can bake the meatballs in marinara sauce for an Italian-inspired version of this recipe. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until melted and bubbly.

How to Serve Ranch Chicken Meatballs

1. As an Appetizer
   • Serve the meatballs as an appetizer for game day or a casual party. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, blue cheese, or marinara) and some crunchy veggies like celery and carrots for dipping.
2. On a Salad
   • For a lighter meal, place the cooked meatballs on a bed of fresh greens, such as spinach or arugula, with your favorite salad toppings. Drizzle with ranch dressing or any other dressing you prefer.
3. With Pasta or Rice
   • Add the meatballs to pasta, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal. Pair with some sautéed vegetables or a simple tomato sauce for extra flavor.
4. In Sandwiches or Wraps
   • Place the meatballs in a warm sub roll or wrap and top with cheese and fresh veggies. Serve with a side of chips or a pickle for the perfect sandwich.

Storing and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: For quick reheating, microwave the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate for 1–2 minutes, depending on the number of meatballs.

Conclusion

Ranch Chicken Meatballs are a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick dinner, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. With their zesty ranch flavor and tender texture, they pair well with various sides, sauces, and dips. Make them your own by experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients!

Yield: 20-24 Meatballs

Ranch Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Print

Ranch Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, combining the tender juiciness of chicken with the zesty, creamy flavor of ranch seasoning. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, an appetizer for your next gathering, or a savory snack that will satisfy everyone. Whether you're serving them with dipping sauces or adding them to pasta, these meatballs will quickly become a household favorite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven (Optional)
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking the meatballs. (You can also cook them in a skillet if preferred.)
   
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
   In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, egg, garlic, and parsley (if using).
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat.
   
3. Form the Meatballs
   Using your hands, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
   
4. Cook the Meatballs
   
5. For Baking:
   Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
   
6. For Skillet Cooking:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
   
7. Serve
   Remove the meatballs from the oven or skillet and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
   Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, over pasta, or as an appetizer.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze well! Place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Dip: Pair these ranch chicken meatballs with a creamy ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick.