Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs

These Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy bites of herb-packed goodness, perfect for any dinner craving a touch of freshness. The blend of parsley, chives, and garlic in the meatballs pairs seamlessly with the luxurious green goddess sauce made from fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and creamy mayonnaise and sour cream.

Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as party appetizers, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. You can serve them with a side of grains, a crisp salad, or simply enjoy them on their own with extra sauce for dipping. They’re gluten-optional, customizable, and totally crave-worthy.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley

• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

For the Green Goddess Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

• 2 tbsp chopped chives

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, chives, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

2. Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes).

4. While the meatballs cook, prepare the sauce: Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, basil, parsley, chives, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.

5. Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled generously with green goddess sauce or use as a dip on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 4

A Fresh Take on Classic Meatballs

Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs are a refreshing and vibrant twist on traditional meatballs, offering a unique combination of lean ground chicken and a bounty of fresh herbs. While many meatball recipes rely heavily on rich cheeses or heavy sauces, this version emphasizes brightness and herbaceous flavor, making it lighter yet deeply satisfying. The name “Green Goddess” stems from the legendary salad dressing that inspired the herb-forward creamy sauce accompanying these meatballs. With parsley, basil, chives, and lemon juice forming the base of the sauce, and similar herbs tucked inside the meatballs themselves, every bite bursts with garden-fresh flavor.

This recipe is perfect for modern home cooks seeking a balance between indulgent comfort food and health-conscious cooking. With a quick prep time and short cooking duration, these meatballs also fit seamlessly into busy weekday schedules, while still being elegant enough for entertaining.

The Magic Behind the Green Goddess Sauce

What sets this dish apart is undoubtedly the sauce. The Green Goddess dressing has roots dating back to the 1920s, originally crafted at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. Traditionally made with mayonnaise, sour cream, anchovies, tarragon, and chervil, the sauce has evolved over the decades. Today, it’s celebrated for its adaptability and vibrant taste. In this meatball dish, the sauce becomes both a dip and a drizzle tangy, creamy, herby, and just the right amount of zesty.

The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream provides a luscious, smooth texture, while fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives keep the flavor profile crisp and clean. A touch of garlic and lemon juice enhances the complexity, ensuring the sauce complements but doesn’t overpower the chicken meatballs.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

There are many reasons to adore Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs, but here are a few standouts:

• Fresh and Healthy: Lean ground chicken and fresh herbs keep this dish light, making it suitable for anyone focused on wellness or calorie-conscious eating.
• Flavor-Packed: The dual layer of herbs in both the meatballs and the sauce ensures each bite is layered with flavor.
• Quick and Easy: With a 30-minute total cook time, these meatballs are perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays.
• Versatile: Serve them as a main with grains or veggies, as an appetizer at gatherings, or stuffed in a wrap or pita for lunch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These reheat beautifully, and the sauce stays fresh in the fridge, making them a great candidate for batch cooking.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

If you love prepping your meals ahead of time, Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs are a dream come true. They store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze like a charm. Simply let them cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick warm-up in the microwave or on the stovetop restores their tenderness.

The sauce also stores well separately in a sealed jar or container. It’s not only perfect for pairing with the meatballs but also works wonders as a dip for veggies, a spread on sandwiches, or even a light salad dressing. With such flexibility, this recipe ensures you’ll never get bored of your leftovers.

A Healthy Twist on Comfort Food

Comfort food often gets a bad reputation for being overly rich or calorie-laden, but this recipe defies that stereotype. Lean protein, low-carb options (if breadcrumbs are substituted with almond flour or gluten-free panko), and nutrient-rich herbs make this dish both comforting and nourishing. You get the satisfying texture of classic meatballs, but with ingredients that support your health goals.

The herbs used particularly parsley and basil are not just for flavor. They are antioxidant powerhouses. Parsley is known for its vitamin K content and detoxifying properties, while basil is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds. Garlic also provides immune-boosting benefits and cardiovascular support.

Great for Entertaining and Crowd-Pleasing

Looking for an appetizer that’s elegant yet approachable? These meatballs are a stellar choice. Plated with a side of green goddess sauce, perhaps sprinkled with extra chopped herbs or served atop a bed of greens, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious. You can even place toothpicks in each for easy finger food, or prepare them in advance and keep them warm in a slow cooker during a party.

Because the flavor is bold but balanced, Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs appeal to a wide variety of palates. They’re kid-friendly, adult-approved, and can easily be doubled or tripled for a large crowd without any additional fuss.

Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Want to make it gluten-free? Simply swap out the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal. Want it even leaner? Try using ground turkey instead of chicken. For those seeking extra spice, a dash of red pepper flakes in the meatball mixture does the trick.

You can also experiment with different herb combinations. If you’re out of basil, try cilantro. Love dill? Add some into the sauce for a more Nordic flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe lies in how customizable it is to your preferences and pantry staples.

Pairing Recommendations

These meatballs are delicious on their own, but they truly shine when served with complementary sides. Try pairing them with:

• A simple couscous or quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower
• Warm pita bread or flatbreads
• A crisp cucumber and tomato salad
• Garlic sautéed greens like spinach or kale

For drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light sparkling water with lemon complements the fresh herb flavors beautifully.

Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly

Even picky eaters will fall in love with the tender, mild flavor of the chicken meatballs. The creamy sauce makes them approachable for kids, especially when served with familiar sides like rice or mashed potatoes. You can also make mini versions for little hands, or serve them inside soft sandwich buns for a fun meatball sub variation.

The Origins of the “Green Goddess” Name

The term “Green Goddess” isn’t just clever branding it’s steeped in culinary history. The original Green Goddess dressing was created in 1923 by Chef Philip Roemer at San Francisco’s Palace Hotel. It was made to honor actor George Arliss and his hit play The Green Goddess. Since then, the herbaceous sauce has evolved into a cult favorite, especially during the health food movement of the 1970s and again in recent years with the rise of fresh, whole foods.

Bringing that legacy into the modern kitchen, these meatballs use the classic inspiration of the dressing in an entirely new, exciting way.

Conclusion

Green Goddess Chicken Meatballs offer the perfect union of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner, an impressive appetizer, or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish checks all the boxes. With its vibrant green sauce and juicy, herb-packed meatballs, it stands out not just for its appearance but for its versatility and taste.

So next time you’re in need of a fresh and flavorful meal idea, give these meatballs a try. They’re easy to customize, packed with healthy ingredients, and loved by both adults and kids alike. Whether you serve them at a gathering or enjoy them solo, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.