This comforting dinner features tender chicken meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs and parmesan, baked in a velvety garlic-cream sauce. The combination of heavy cream, savory chicken broth, and melted mozzarella creates a rich, bubbly topping that keeps the poultry succulent and flavorful. Finished with a hint of paprika and dried basil, it provides a high-protein, low-carb meal with a sophisticated herbal profile and a classic, creamy texture.

About This Recipe

The meatballs are prepared by blending ground chicken with almond flour, egg, and parmesan, which provides a sturdy yet tender structure that holds up during the baking process. Once shaped and placed in the dish, they are submerged in a sauce made from heavy cream and chicken broth infused with minced garlic and dried parsley. This liquid base ensures even heat distribution, allowing the meatballs to cook through while the sauce reduces into a thick, savory gravy that clings to the meat.

The flavor is defined by the aromatic presence of Italian seasoning and the sharp, salty depth of the parmesan cheese. High-fat dairy provides a dense mouthfeel that balances the lean profile of the ground chicken, while the addition of mozzarella adds a mild, stretchy finish to the golden-brown crust. Because the meatballs are baked directly in the cream mixture, they absorb the garlic and herb notes, resulting in a cohesive and deeply seasoned dish.

Typically served hot from the oven, this bake is a practical choice for family dinners or efficient meal prep. The sauce maintains its smooth, creamy consistency when reheated, making it an ideal option for those requiring a satisfying, low-carb meal throughout the week. The combination of its simple assembly and its rustic, herb-forward profile makes it a reliable and refined addition to any keto-friendly menu.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Juicy chicken meatballs that stay tender.
  • Rich, creamy garlic-herb parmesan sauce.
  • One-pan, oven-baked convenience.
  • Keto-friendly with low net carbs.
  • Great for meal prep and reheating.
  • Comfort-food flavors with simple ingredients.
  • Family-friendly and filling.
  • Works with many keto side dishes.

What You’ll Need for This Garlic Herb Chicken Meatball Bake

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a medium baking dish or skillet.
  2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, egg, parmesan, almond flour, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Shape into small meatballs and place into the baking dish.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, parsley, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs.
  6. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the top is lightly golden.
  7. Let sit 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

FAQ

  • Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
    Yes, ground turkey works well and stays moist in the sauce.
  • Can I make the sauce thicker?
    You can reduce the chicken broth slightly or add more parmesan.
  • Does this recipe reheat well?
    Yes, it becomes even more flavorful the next day.
  • Can I make it spicier?
    Add crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne.
  • Is almond flour required?
    It helps bind the meatballs, but crushed pork rinds can also work.
  • Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, though the sauce may thicken slightly after thawing.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap ground chicken for turkey.
  • Use pork rinds instead of almond flour.
  • Add spinach to the sauce for extra volume.
  • Use fresh herbs instead of dried for stronger flavor.
  • Add mushrooms to the skillet before baking.
  • Top with extra mozzarella for a cheesier finish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Cauliflower rice
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Zucchini noodles
  • Simple green salad

Keto Garlic Herb Chicken Meatball Bake

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 520
A rich, creamy one-pan chicken meatball dinner baked in a garlic-herb parmesan sauce

Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/33 cup grated parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish.
  • Mix all meatball ingredients and shape into balls.
  • Place them in the dish.
  • Mix all sauce ingredients and pour over meatballs.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
  • Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Calories: 520kcal
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken meatball bake, keto chicken, low carb dinner

Did you make this recipe?


I’d love to hear from you — leave a comment below and tell me how it turned out, what you liked, or if you made any tweaks!

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Author

I share simple, everyday recipes that I cook in my own kitchen, focused on food that's easy, satisfying, and realistic for busy routines.

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