Chicken Enchilada Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground chicken thigh)
(can sub ground beef or ground turkey thigh
- 1/4 cup yellow onion
very finely diced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp arrowroot flour
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper)
(optional
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- , or more to taste1 tsp kosher salt
- freshly chopped cilantro
optional
- finely diced red onion
optional
Directions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients (except for the avocado oil). Mix until well combined. Using your hands (damp hands help with working with ground chicken thigh since it's a little sticky) form into 2-inch round meatballs.
- 2
Rinse and wipe down the skillet. Melt the ghee in the skillet over medium heat. When melted, add the arrowroot starch and whisk until combined. Add the chili powder, cumin, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Whisk together until combined and saute to really bring out the flavors in the spices for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- 3
Nestle the browned meatballs into the enchilada sauce and cook, simmering and covered, until the meatballs are completely cooked through, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (cut into one of the meatballs to make sure they are no longer pink).
Chicken Enchilada Meatballs
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Based on 8 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that feels both comforting and exciting? These Whole30 Chicken Enchilada Meatballs are a genuine flavor explosion, delivering all the rich, savory goodness of enchiladas in an easy-to-love format.
Why These Meatballs Work
What makes these Chicken Enchilada Meatballs truly special is their incredible depth of flavor. By using a generous blend of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano, we build a robust, authentic enchilada sauce that coats tender, juicy ground chicken meatballs. The addition of arrowroot flour helps bind the meatballs while arrowroot starch thickens the sauce, ensuring a perfect consistency every time.
What to Expect
Get ready for a mouthful of savory, slightly smoky, and wonderfully spiced flavor with every bite. The ground chicken thigh meatballs are delightfully tender, absorbing the rich, complex sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours. You'll experience the warmth of chili powder and cumin, balanced by the subtle sweetness of tomato paste and the savory notes of beef broth. This dish is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a fantastic option for a variety of dietary needs, including Whole30.
Customization & Variations
These enchilada meatballs are incredibly versatile. You can easily swap the ground chicken thigh for ground beef or ground turkey thigh to suit your preference or what you have on hand. If you enjoy a bit of extra heat, don't hesitate to include the optional cayenne pepper for a welcome kick. For an extra pop of freshness, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or finely diced red onion makes a perfect garnish.
Serving & Context
These Chicken Enchilada Meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Serve them alongside a simple green salad, cauliflower rice, or even tucked into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb meal. Their bold flavors make them a fantastic centerpiece.