The ultimate quick and easy appetizer that doubles as a hearty, Whole30-friendly weeknight meal when served over spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb. ground chicken (may substitute ground turkey or ground pork)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. dried parsley (may substitute 1½ Tbsp. fresh parsley)
For the Sauce:
- 1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple
- 1 bottle (8.5 ounces) Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce (may substitute 1 cup BBQ sauce of choice)
- 3/4 cup chicken or turkey broth (Homemade or store-bought)
- Optional Garnish: Sliced green onions and or chopped parsley
Instructions
For the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, combine crushed pineapple (and its juice), BBQ sauce and broth.
- Bring to a vigorous simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat slightly and allow to simmer while you make the meatballs.
For the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, almond flour, garlic and onion powders, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Mix well to combine.
- Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, shape meat mixture into 16 golf ball-sized balls and place on baking sheet leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- When meatballs are done, add them to the sauce. Stir to coat and garnish as desired.
Notes
Make Ahead Tips:
- Meatballs may be made ahead up to 3 days in advance and reheated prior to serving.
- To reheat for a party, consider placing meatballs and sauce in a slow cooker set to low (or high, depending on how much time you have or don't have) until heated through. You may need to add a few tablespoons of water if sauce starts to get too thick. Garnish before serving.
- Meatballs may be frozen for up to 2 months. You can either freeze the meatballs and sauce separately or freeze them together. Allow meatballs to thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as desired.