Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs Recipe (Pickle Variation)

Mediterranean Chicken Meatballs (Pickle Variation)

Yield: 16-18 meatballs

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12-14 minutes

High-protein, pollotarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free Mediterranean-style chicken meatballs with dill pickles and chickpeas, perfect for meal prep and air frying.

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Pollotarian, High-protein, Low-fat

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 10-12 oz)
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed (or 1 can, 15 oz, drained and mashed)
  • 1/3 cup finely diced dill pickles (squeezed very dry)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced onions
  • 1/4 cup finely diced bell peppers
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/3 cup chickpea flour
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp granulated garlic
  • 1/4 tsp salt (reduced due to pickles - taste and adjust)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp dried dill for extra dill flavor
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper for heat

Instructions

Prep (can do 1-2 days ahead):

  1. If using canned chickpeas, drain, rinse, and pat dry, then mash them with a fork until mostly smooth
  2. Finely dice the dill pickles and squeeze VERY well in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture (pickles are very wet!)
  3. Pat pickles again with paper towels if needed - they must be as dry as possible
  4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mashed chickpeas
  5. Add the squeezed pickles, diced onions, and bell peppers
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together egg whites, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and dried dill if using
  7. Pour the egg mixture over the chicken and chickpea mixture, mix well
  8. Taste a small amount of the mixture - if it needs more salt, add a pinch at a time (remember, pickles are salty!)
  9. Gradually add chickpea flour, mixing until the mixture holds together well when pressed
  10. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to allow flour to absorb moisture
  11. Roll into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter
  12. Place on a parchment-lined tray
  13. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook

Air Frying:

  1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F
  2. Lightly spray the meatballs with olive oil
  3. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them
  4. Cook for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket or rotating halfway through at 6-7 minutes
  5. They're done when golden brown and firm to the touch

Tips

  • Critical: Pickles must be squeezed VERY dry - they contain even more water than cucumbers
  • Start with less salt than you think you need - you can always add more but can't take it away
  • The pickle brine adds a tangy, deli-style flavor that's really delicious
  • These have a Greek gyro/deli vibe that's unique and tasty
  • Serve with salsa, guacamole, or more pickles on the side!
  • These freeze excellently after cooking - reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes
  • If you love pickles, try serving these with a pickle-dill dipping sauce (mashed avocado + dried dill + a little pickle juice)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Impossible Beef Stew

Low-Carb Impossible Steak Tip Stew Low-Carb Impossible Steak Tip Stew Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4-6 Ingredients 1 lb Impossible steak tips 3 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil 1/4 cup freeze-dried red onion 3-4 cloves garlic confit (with a bit of the oil) 2-3 tbsp dried mushroom kibble (rehydrated in warm water for 10 minutes) 2 cups water 1 cube Edward and Sons vegetable bouillon 1 cup cauliflower florets, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 cups chopped zucchini 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/2 cup diced carrots 1 cup cubed eggplant 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) 2 tbsp tomato paste 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (check for vegan if needed) 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp grou...
Read more

How To Work With AI to Create and Publish a Recipe

Image
  How To Work With AI to Create and Publish a Recipe I've been having fun using AI to create recipes lately, here's what's working well for me: Getting Started with Claude AI Step 1: Log into claude.ai with your Google account and choose the Free plan Step 2: Type in any crazy (or normal) recipe idea Or even just fish for ideas! Step 3: Claude will do its best to give you a recipe (or it'll tell you if your idea is really bad) Customizing Your Recipe Now my favorite part is making tweaks and substitutions. If Claude says to use almond flour, but you have coconut flour in the house, ask for a substitution. You can ask about: Increasing the yield: Adjust serving sizes to make more or less Changing the cooking method: Switch from baking to air frying, stovetop to slow cooker, etc. Making the process more efficient: Streamline steps, reduce prep time, or simplify techniques The possibilities are endless! Preparing for Publication Once you're happ...
Read more

Edamame Soup

Edamame "Split Pea" Soup Recipe Edamame "Split Pea" Soup A hearty, protein-rich soup made with frozen edamame that resembles traditional split pea soup with a vibrant green color and creamy texture. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Yield: 6 servings Ingredients 1 lb (450g) frozen shelled edamame 2 tablespoons olive oil 1½ cups onion, diced (about 1 large onion) 1 cup carrots, diced (about 2 medium carrots) 1 cup celery, diced (about 2 stalks) 3-4 cloves garlic confit, mashed 1½ cups zucchini, diced (about 1 medium zucchini) 1½ cups cauliflower florets, chopped small 6 cups water 3 Edward & Sons vegetable bouillon cubes 2 bay leaves ...
Read more