FLAX & QUINOA CHICKEN MEATBALLS
Good Bye bread crumbs & egg – hello, cooked leftover quinoa and flax egg ? These versatile little protein, flavor, and fiber balls are the best for meal prep and are enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 16oz packages of organic ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup ground flax mixed with 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup carrot minced (2-3 small carrots)
- 1 cup celery minced (2-3 stalks of celery)
- 1 whole white or yellow onion minced
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 307 degrees. Start by prepping the mirepoix: celery, carrots, and onion. I take my time and try to enjoy this part. I like tiny pieces but feel free to grate them or cut them how you like
- Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to a non-stick pan over medium heat. Sauté the mirepoix for about 10-15 minutes until soft. Set aside and let cool.
- Prep the “flax egg”: Mix half cup ground flax with 1/2 cup water and stir well until combined. It should start to thicken and gel up after about 10 minutes
- Add the chicken, cooked quinoa, oregano, garlic, salt & pepper, flax egg, and mirepoix into a bowl.
- I like to use a fork for the mixing part so you can combine it. I mix it for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s all well incorporated.
- Once mixed, line a baking sheet with tin foil and place a cooling rack on top. Spray the rack with non-stick spray. This helps the meatballs cook evenly and crisp up!
- Use an ice cream scoop with a trigger for this, and Scoop the mixture into 18-20 balls and place it on the rack. (If you don’t already have an ice cream scoop, get one asap. They are like $6 on Amazon -I have some options on my website).
- Drizzle the tops or brush them with a little olive oil and bake at 375 for 35-45 minutes, depending on the temperature of your oven. They should be lightly browned and crispy when done!
Notes
Ways I use them:
- on-the-go protein source instead of a shake
- zoodles and meatballs
- tossed in Buffalo sauce
- on top of salads
- as the main protein in a meal
…the options are truly endless