If you’re looking for a protein-packed, low-carb meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious, these Low Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs deserve a permanent spot in your weekly menu. Packed with juicy ground chicken, fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and melty cheese, these meatballs are the perfect answer for a quick weeknight dinner, healthy meal prep, or even a party appetizer.
Unlike traditional beef meatballs, these are lighter, leaner, and keto-friendly, so you can indulge without guilt. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile — serve them with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or on their own with a creamy dipping sauce.
5 Tasty Reasons to Try These Low-Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs
- Packed with Lean Protein – Made with ground chicken breast for a lighter yet satisfying bite.
- Loaded with Nutrients – Fresh spinach provides vitamins A, C, K, and iron.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Perfect for those watching their carbs without sacrificing flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and store for quick lunches or dinners.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – Savory, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned for the whole family.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Ground chicken breast | 1 lb (450 g) | Lean and tender |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups (60 g) | Finely chopped |
| Egg | 1 large | Helps bind the mixture |
| Almond flour | ½ cup (50 g) | Low-carb breadcrumb alternative |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup (25 g) | Adds savory richness |
| Mozzarella cheese | ½ cup (50 g) | Melty and delicious |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | For depth of flavor |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | Enhances savory notes |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp | Italian seasoning |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground |
| Olive oil spray | As needed | For baking sheet or pan |
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Spinach
- Wash spinach leaves thoroughly.
- Chop finely to ensure even distribution.
- Lightly sauté for 1–2 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cool.
Step 2 – Mix the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped spinach, egg, almond flour, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently using clean hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well combined.
Pro tip: Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
Step 3 – Shape and Cook
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place evenly on the sheet.
- Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Nutritional Benefits
These meatballs are not just delicious — they’re packed with nutrition. Here’s why they’re a smart choice:
- High in Protein: 18g per serving helps support muscle growth and repair.
- Low in Carbs: Only ~3g net carbs, making them ideal for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
- Rich in Vitamins & Minerals: Spinach delivers iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
- Gluten-Free: Almond flour replaces traditional breadcrumbs.
Nutrition Facts (Per 4 Meatballs)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 3 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
Expert Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Fresh Parmesan melts beautifully and infuses meatballs with a deep, savory flavor. Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect texture. - Sauté Spinach Before Mixing
Cooking spinach first removes excess water, preventing the meatballs from becoming soggy. This also enhances its earthy taste. - Chill the Meat Mixture
Let the meat mixture rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before shaping. It firms up the texture and makes rolling easier. - Wet Your Hands Before Rolling
Lightly damp hands prevent the meat from sticking to your palms, ensuring smooth, uniform meatballs. - Bake on Parchment Paper
This prevents sticking, ensures even browning, and makes cleanup quick and effortless. - Use a Cookie Scoop
A scoop ensures all meatballs are the same size, so they cook evenly without undercooked or overcooked spots. - Try Air Frying for Crispness
Air frying at 375°F for 12–14 minutes gives meatballs a deliciously crisp exterior without excess oil. - Mix Ingredients Gently
Overmixing can make meatballs dense and tough. Combine ingredients just until everything is evenly distributed. - Add Olive Oil to the Mix
A small drizzle of olive oil keeps meatballs moist and adds a subtle, rich flavor. - Rest Before Serving
Let meatballs sit for 3–4 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing – Makes meatballs tough instead of tender.
- Skipping moisture removal from spinach leads to a soggy texture.
- Not preheating the oven – Results in uneven cooking.
- Using overly lean chicken without cheese can make them dry.
- Overbaking – Dries out the meat.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- With Zucchini Noodles: A great low-carb pasta alternative.
- On Cauliflower Rice: A filling, healthy dinner base.
- In a Lettuce Wrap: For a handheld, portable snack.
- As a Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and dipping sauce.
Storage & Reheating Table
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. |
| Freezer | 2–3 months | Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to bag. |
| Reheating | — | Oven at 350°F for 10 min, or microwave 1–2 min. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute with a similar flavor and texture.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw completely and squeeze out all water before adding.
3. Is almond flour necessary?
It keeps the recipe low-carb, but you can use coconut flour or ground pork rinds instead.
4. Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
Yes, omit cheese and add nutritional yeast for flavor.
5. Can I cook them in a skillet?
Yes, pan-fry in olive oil for 8–10 minutes, turning often.
6. How do I keep them moist?
Don’t overbake and make sure to include some fat, like cheese or olive oil.
7. Are these keto-friendly?
Yes, with only ~3g net carbs per serving.
8. Can I meal prep them?
Yes, they store and reheat well for up to 4 days.
9. What sauces pair well?
Sugar-free marinara, tzatziki, garlic aioli, or buffalo sauce.
10. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, try grated zucchini, mushrooms, or finely chopped peppers.
Final Thoughts
These low-carb Carb Spinach Chicken Meatballs prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to mean bland food. They’re juicy, cheesy, flavorful, and versatile enough to work for meal prep, dinner parties, or quick snacks. With their high protein, low-carb profile, and unbeatable taste, you’ll want to keep them in your recipe rotation year-round.
