These chicken meatballs combine the flavors of a traditional Italian dish with a low-carb preparation, featuring a blend of ground chicken, parmesan, and mozzarella. The meatballs are browned in a skillet and then baked in a sugar-free marinara sauce topped with additional melted cheese. The recipe uses almond flour as a binder and is finished with fresh basil, providing a protein-rich meal that is prepared in approximately 30 minutes.

About This Recipe

The preparation begins by mixing ground chicken with shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and almond flour in a large bowl. An egg is added to the mixture along with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to establish the flavor profile. The dough is portioned into 12 spheres and placed in a heated skillet to brown the exterior surfaces. Once seared, the meatballs are moved to a baking dish and covered with a layer of sugar-free marinara sauce and a topping of shredded mozzarella.

The ingredients include ground chicken, which provides the primary texture, and a combination of cheeses used both within the meat mixture and as a final topping. Almond flour is utilized in place of traditional breadcrumbs to maintain the structure of the meatballs during the cooking process. The marinara sauce is selected based on the absence of added sugars to ensure the meal remains consistent with specific dietary preferences. The dish is placed in the oven at 400°F and remains there until the internal temperature is reached and the cheese becomes bubbly.

The recipe is modified by using ground turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor or by substituting provolone for the mozzarella to create a richer profile. For a spicier variation, red pepper flakes are sometimes stirred into the meat mixture or added to the sauce. The finished meatballs are served while hot and are frequently paired with vegetable-based sides such as zucchini noodles or a fresh salad. Portions are stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or kept in the freezer for longer periods.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All the flavor of classic Chicken Parm, zero breading
  • Melty mozzarella & parmesan in every bite
  • Ready in 30 minutes
  • Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
  • High protein, low carb — only 4g net carbs per serving

What You’ll Need for This Keto Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

  • For the meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • For baking:
  • 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan (for topping)
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Preheat oven: Set to 400°F. Grease a small baking dish or skillet.
  2. Mix meatballs: In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients until just mixed. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls.
  3. Brown: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
  4. Bake: Transfer meatballs to baking dish, pour marinara sauce over, and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
  5. Finish: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy hot.

FAQ

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
    Yes — it works just as well, though flavor is slightly richer with chicken.
  • Can I air fry them?
    Definitely. Cook meatballs at 375°F for about 10 minutes, then add sauce and cheese.
  • Can I make them ahead of time?
    Yes — they store up to 4 days in the fridge or 2 months frozen.
  • What marinara sauce should I use?
    Any sugar-free one — look for brands like Rao’s or Yo Mama’s with no added sugars.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a bolder flavor.
  • Swap mozzarella for provolone for a smokier, richer cheese pull.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or a simple side salad. They also work great inside low-carb wraps for a portable lunch.

Keto Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 340
Juicy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned — these Keto Chicken Parmesan Meatballs deliver all the comfort of Chicken Parm without the carbs.

Ingredients

For the meatballs

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup almond flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For baking

  • 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan (for topping)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven: Set to 400°F. Grease a small baking dish or skillet.
  • Mix meatballs: In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients until just mixed. Roll into 12 equal-sized balls.
  • Brown: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium and brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes total.
  • Bake: Transfer meatballs to baking dish, pour marinara sauce over, and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan.
  • Finish: Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy hot.
Calories: 340kcal
Course: LUNCH
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Dinner, high protein meatballs, italian / keto, keto chicken parmesan meatballs, low carb italian chicken

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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