This Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is a delicious, nutritious meal that is both satisfying and packed with flavor. It combines herby chicken meatballs with roasted sweet potatoes, parmesan chickpeas, and a zesty yogurt jalapeño dressing, all served over a bed of fresh kale. Whether you’re meal prepping or just looking for a healthy dinner option, this bowl is a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 shallot, finely chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
½ cup cilantro, finely chopped
¼ cup dill, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

1 large sweet potato, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cumin

For the Parmesan Chickpeas:

1 can chickpeas, drained and dried
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
2 tbsp parmesan cheese

For the Yogurt Jalapeño Dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup fresh basil
½ cup fresh dill
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp honey
1 jalapeño, seeds removed
2 cloves garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste

Other:

4 cups kale

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin by preparing the chickpeas. Drain and pat dry the chickpeas, then toss them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de Provence, and parmesan. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
Prepare the sweet potatoes. Dice the sweet potatoes and toss them with olive oil, salt, cinnamon, and cumin. Spread on a separate baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and starting to brown.
Make the chicken meatballs. In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, ricotta cheese, egg, panko breadcrumbs, shallot, green onions, cilantro, dill, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined, then form into cylinder-shaped meatballs (or balls if you prefer).
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Prepare the dressing. In a food processor or blender, combine Greek yogurt, fresh basil, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, jalapeño, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the bowls. Divide the kale, sweet potatoes, roasted chickpeas, and chicken meatballs between bowls. Top with a generous amount of the yogurt jalapeño dressing.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 500mg

Why This Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is a Great Option

The Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is not only bursting with flavor but also provides a well-rounded mix of macronutrients, ensuring that it’s both satisfying and healthy. With a base of fresh kale, this dish is high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Roasted sweet potatoes add a naturally sweet, creamy element, while parmesan chickpeas deliver a crunchy, savory contrast. The chicken meatballs are packed with protein, keeping you full and energized, and the yogurt jalapeño dressing ties everything together with a cool, spicy kick.

This bowl also shines when it comes to customization. You can swap out ingredients or adjust seasonings to cater to your personal taste preferences, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re avoiding certain foods or prefer different flavors, this meal can easily be adapted to fit your dietary needs. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers, which means you can enjoy a nourishing meal for days.

The Perfect Balance of Protein and Fiber

At the core of the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl are the chicken meatballs, which provide a rich source of lean protein. Ground chicken, mixed with ricotta cheese and a variety of fresh herbs, creates a flavorful and moist meatball that’s satisfying yet light. The addition of green onions, cilantro, and dill infuses the meatballs with fresh, herby notes, while the lemon zest brightens the flavors, making them more vibrant and dynamic.

Along with the protein-rich meatballs, the roasted sweet potatoes and kale provide an excellent source of fiber. Sweet potatoes are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar. Kale, a leafy green superfood, is packed with fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. The combination of protein and fiber in this dish ensures you’ll feel full and satisfied long after eating.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A Naturally Sweet and Savory Element

Roasted sweet potatoes are a key component of this bowl, bringing both sweetness and earthiness to the dish. The naturally sweet flavor of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the meatballs and chickpeas. Roasting the sweet potatoes enhances their flavor, making them caramelized and tender, with crispy edges that add a satisfying texture.

In this recipe, sweet potatoes are seasoned with cinnamon and cumin, adding a warm, slightly smoky depth that complements the sweetness. These spices also make the sweet potatoes more aromatic, turning them into a comforting, flavorful addition to the bowl. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and their natural sweetness offers a healthy alternative to sugary side dishes.

Parmesan Chickpeas: Crunchy, Savory Goodness

The parmesan chickpeas add a delightful crunch to the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a perfect addition to this already balanced meal. After being roasted with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, the chickpeas become crispy and savory, providing a satisfying contrast to the tender meatballs and soft sweet potatoes.

In addition to their flavor and texture, roasted chickpeas are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and iron. The crispy chickpeas also contribute a nice layer of savory umami flavor to the bowl, elevating the entire dish. Their versatility makes them a great ingredient in a variety of meals, adding crunch and flavor to everything from salads to grain bowls.

The Zesty Yogurt Jalapeño Dressing: A Flavorful Finish

What sets the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl apart from other grain or salad bowls is the yogurt jalapeño dressing. This tangy and spicy dressing brings a cooling contrast to the warmth of the roasted sweet potatoes and the savory chicken meatballs. Made from Greek yogurt, fresh basil, dill, lemon juice, and a touch of honey, this dressing is both refreshing and creamy, with the jalapeño providing just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the meatballs and sweet potatoes.

The Greek yogurt base not only adds creaminess but also contributes protein and probiotics, promoting gut health. The fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten up the dressing, while the jalapeño gives it a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile of the entire dish. The combination of cool creaminess and spicy heat makes the dressing a perfect finishing touch to the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl.

Versatility and Customization

One of the best aspects of the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is how customizable it is. While the ingredients in the recipe work wonderfully together, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. For example, if you’re not a fan of cilantro or dill, you can swap them out for parsley or basil, or even use a combination of herbs that you love. The sweet potatoes can be substituted with other root vegetables, such as carrots or butternut squash, if desired.

For a vegan or vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken meatballs with plant-based protein sources such as lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. The parmesan cheese in the chickpeas can also be substituted with a vegan cheese alternative. The dressing can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based yogurt, ensuring that this bowl is accessible to a wide range of diets.

Meal Prepping with the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

The Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is also an excellent meal prep option. The dish holds up well in the fridge, making it an ideal choice for those who like to prepare meals ahead of time. The chicken meatballs, roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpeas can be cooked in large batches and stored separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowl with a handful of fresh kale and top with the yogurt jalapeño dressing.

This meal can be stored for several days in the refrigerator, and the flavors continue to meld together, making it even more delicious on day two or three. The fact that it’s so easy to prepare and store makes it a perfect solution for busy weekdays or when you need a quick, nutritious meal on hand.

Conclusion

The Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl is a nourishing, flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping. With its combination of herby chicken meatballs, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy parmesan chickpeas, and zesty yogurt jalapeño dressing, this bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or preparing meals in advance, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

The bowl is customizable to suit your taste preferences, ensuring that you can enjoy it again and again without getting bored. Its balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, combined with its fresh and hearty ingredients, make it a satisfying meal that will leave you feeling energized and content. So, next time you need a wholesome, delicious meal, give the Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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