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A close-up shot of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken meatball risotto, garnished with fresh greens and parmesan cheese.

Garlic Butter Chicken Meatballs with Roasted Broccoli & Rice

These juicy garlic butter chicken meatballs come together quickly with tender roasted broccoli and fluffy rice for a complete, flavorful weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Meatballs
  • 1.25 lbs ground chicken lean
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion finely grated or minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
For the Roasted Broccoli
  • 1 lb broccoli florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
For Serving
  • 2 cups cooked rice (or 1 cup uncooked instant rice, prepared according to package directions)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Small saucepan (if not using instant rice)
  • Whisk

Method
 

Prepare Oven & Broccoli
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss broccoli florets with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Spread in a single layer and set aside.
Make Meatball Mixture
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 3 cloves minced garlic, grated onion, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently but thoroughly until just combined (do not overmix).
Form Meatballs
  1. Roll the mixture into approximately 18-20 meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook Meatballs & Roast Broccoli
  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned all over and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes total. While meatballs are cooking, place the baking sheet with broccoli in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
Prepare Rice
  1. While meatballs and broccoli cook, prepare your rice if not already done. For instant rice, follow package directions.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce
  1. Once meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add melted butter to the same skillet. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Combine & Serve
  1. Return cooked meatballs to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat. Stir in chopped fresh parsley and chives (if using). Serve immediately with roasted broccoli and cooked rice. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.