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–+ servings
Crispy lemon herb chicken meatballs sizzling in skillet with caramelized crust and fresh herbs

Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs

Juicy on the inside with an irresistibly crispy golden-brown exterior, these lemon herb chicken meatballs are bursting with fresh lemon zest, garlic, grated parmesan, and fragrant herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes for the ultimate party appetizer or high-protein dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (approx. 16 meatballs)
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Lemon Herb Chicken Meatballs
  • 1 lb 450g lean ground chicken (90/10 blend or ground thigh)
  • 1/2 cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated lemon zest approx. 1 large lemon
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or fresh thyme leaves
  • 3/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for searing in skillet
For the Creamy Garlic Herb Whipped Dip
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 clove garlic grated into a paste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley finely chopped
  • Pinch of sea salt and smoked paprika
For Serving & Garnish
  • Charred lemon wedges & fresh parsley leaves
  • Flaky sea salt for finishing

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
  1. Mix Meatball Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Let sit for 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs absorb the moisture.
  2. Gently Form Meatballs: Add the ground chicken to the bowl. Using clean hands or a fork, gently fold the mixture together until just combined—do not overwork or pack tightly. Lightly oil your hands and roll into 16 evenly sized round meatballs (about 1.5 inches each).
  3. Sear Until Crispy: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the meatballs in a single layer without crowding the pan. Sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until deeply browned on the bottom.
  4. Turn & Finish Cooking: Use tongs to gently roll the meatballs to brown all sides, cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature registers 165°F (74°C). (Air Fryer Alternative: Place in air fryer basket at 400°F / 200°C for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking basket halfway through).
  5. Whip the Dip & Serve: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, grated garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and sea salt. Transfer hot crispy meatballs to a platter, garnish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and flaky sea salt, and serve immediately alongside the chilled garlic herb dip and charred lemon wedges!

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 26gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 380IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

Chef Secret: Do not overwork ground chicken when mixing, as it can make meatballs dense! Mix gently with your fingers or a fork just until combined. For the crispiest exterior without drying out the meat, sear them over medium-high heat in a preheated cast-iron skillet with olive oil, or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

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