Go Back

Herbed Chicken Meatball Bowl

This Herbed Chicken Meatball Bowl is fresh, nourishing, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken meatballs mixed with ricotta and herbs, paired with cinnamon-roasted sweet potatoes, crispy parmesan chickpeas, kale, and a zesty jalapeño yogurt dressing. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken preferably thighs
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese about 8 oz or half a 15 oz container
  • 1 egg large
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 shallot finely chopped
  • 2 green onions finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1 lemon zested
  • ½ teaspoon salt for meatballs
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper for meatballs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking meatballs
  • 1 large sweet potato diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sweet potatoes
  • ½ teaspoon salt for sweet potatoes
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas drained, rinsed, and patted completely dry
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for chickpeas
  • ½ teaspoon salt for chickpeas
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt full-fat recommended
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • ½ cup fresh dill for dressing
  • 1 lemon juiced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for dressing
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste for dressing
  • 4 cups chopped kale or substitute spinach or arugula

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheets
  • Skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Meat thermometer
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the chickpeas by draining, rinsing, and patting them completely dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs, and parmesan cheese. Spread in a single layer on one prepared baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  3. While the chickpeas start roasting, toss diced sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, cinnamon, and cumin on the second baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and place in the oven alongside the chickpeas. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges are caramelized and the potatoes are fork-tender.
  4. While the vegetables roast, make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, ricotta, egg, breadcrumbs, shallot, green onions, cilantro, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined. Form into 16-18 meatballs about 2 tablespoons each, or shape into oblong patties about 2 inches long.
  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, add meatballs and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms. Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for 5-6 additional minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Make the jalapeño yogurt dressing by combining Greek yogurt, basil, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, jalapeño, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and vibrant green, about 30-45 seconds. If too thick, thin with 1-2 tablespoons of water.
  7. Assemble the bowls by dividing chopped kale among four serving bowls. Top each with roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, and 4-5 herby meatballs. Drizzle generously with the jalapeño yogurt dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

Choose quality ground chicken, preferably thighs for moisture. Pat chickpeas completely dry for crispiness. Don't overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Form uniform meatballs for even cooking. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Can prep meatball mixture 24 hours ahead. Dressing keeps for up to 4 days in refrigerator. Store components separately for best texture.