Listen up, foodies! If you’ve ever wondered what to eat with chicken meatballs, you’re in for a treat. I’ve been experimenting with these lean, juicy protein bombs for years, and I’ve discovered that the right side dish can transform them from a simple appetizer into a show-stopping meal.
Chicken meatballs are healthier than their beef and pork cousins, but they’re just as versatile and delicious. The real magic happens when you pair them with the perfect side dish. So, let’s dive into my favorite sides that’ll make your chicken meatball dinner absolutely unforgettable!
Why Chicken Meatballs Deserve Amazing Side Dishes
Before we jump into the side dish bonanza let’s talk about why chicken meatballs are so awesome. Unlike traditional beef or pork meatballs chicken versions are
- Leaner and healthier (less fat, same great taste)
- Lighter in flavor, making them perfect for various sauces
- Super juicy when cooked right
- Versatile enough for everything from pasta night to party appetizers
But as amazing as chicken meatballs are on their own, they’re not a complete meal. They need friends on the plate! The right side dish can complement their flavor, add contrasting textures, and turn a simple protein into a feast.
Comfort Food Classics to Serve with Chicken Meatballs
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Nothing says comfort like a big scoop of mashed potatoes alongside juicy meatballs. Ina Garten’s version with sour cream adds a tangy twist that cuts through the richness perfectly. The smooth, buttery texture against the meaty bite of chicken meatballs? Heaven!
Pro tip: Add roasted garlic to your mashed potatoes for an extra flavor dimension that’ll make your chicken meatballs sing.
2. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese with chicken meatballs is basically a hug in a bowl. The creamy, cheesy goodness melds perfectly with savory tender meatballs. Each bite delivers comfort food perfection – especially on those days when you need something to warm your soul.
3. Buttered Noodles
Sometimes simplicity wins! Buttered noodles require just three main ingredients: fettuccine, butter, and Parmesan. The buttery fettuccine coated in nutty Parmesan creates a simple backdrop that lets your chicken meatballs shine without competing for attention.
4. Baked Cheese Risotto
This baked cheese risotto is comfort on a plate. The Arborio rice soaks up savory chicken broth, creating a velvety texture that’s irresistible with chicken meatballs. It’s especially fantastic if your meatballs are in a marinara sauce – the flavors create a perfect Italian comfort food harmony.
Pasta & Rice Options That Complement Chicken Meatballs
5. Baked Ziti
When baked ziti meets chicken meatballs, you get an Italian flavor explosion! Think of it as spaghetti and meatballs but elevated to the next level. The cheesy, saucy ziti creates a hearty base for your juicy chicken meatballs
6. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf takes humble white rice and transforms it with butter, chicken broth, and spices. The result is the perfect companion for chicken meatballs, especially if they’re in a saucy preparation. The rich, buttery rice soaks up all that meatball goodness!
7. 15-Minute Lo Mein
Want something different? This quick lo mein combines ramen noodles, green onions, and veggies in a sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic. Paired with chicken meatballs, it creates an exciting “East meets West” fusion meal.
8. Creamy Polenta
Polenta enriched with Parmesan cheese creates a satisfying base for chicken meatballs. Its subtle, comforting flavor makes it an excellent canvas for meatballs in virtually any sauce. The contrast between the smooth polenta and the meaty texture is delightful!
Bread & Carb Options
9. Garlic Bread
Homemade garlic bread isn’t just a side dish—it’s an experience! With its crunchy exterior, soft inside, and blend of fresh herbs and roasted garlic, it’s perfect for sopping up sauce from your chicken meatballs. Trust me, no sauce will be left behind!
10. Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter option, lettuce wraps are surprisingly delicious with chicken meatballs. Combine cooked meatballs with shredded carrots, green onions, cashews, and chili sauce, then spoon into iceberg lettuce leaves. It’s a fresh twist that’s perfect for those watching their carbs.
Veggie Sides That Balance Your Meal
11. Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic
These simple green beans deliver big on flavor and texture. They’re tender yet snappy, with crispy garlic bits adding an extra kick. The fresh crunch provides the perfect contrast to soft, juicy chicken meatballs.
12. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This casserole transforms boring broccoli into something magical that even kids will devour! The creamy sauce, cheese, and Ritz cracker topping create a dish that’s crispy on top and creamy below. It’s a clever way to include veggies in a meal that feels indulgent.
13. Grilled Veggie Skewers
These colorful skewers feature zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and garlic herb sauce. The smoky char and sweetness from the grill make these a beautiful and delicious addition to chicken meatballs.
14. Spinach Casserole
This mouthwatering blend of tender spinach and creamy cheese is smothered in a rich, velvety sauce and topped with crispy buttered breadcrumbs. The creamy, cheesy spinach contrasts beautifully with meaty, saucy chicken meatballs, and the green-and-red color combo looks gorgeous on the plate!
15. Ratatouille
This chunky vegetable stew celebrates seasonal produce with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Pairing ratatouille with chicken meatballs creates a nutritionally balanced meal bursting with colors and flavors.
Potato & Fry Alternatives
16. Zucchini Fries
These Parmesan and Panko-coated zucchini fries offer a healthier alternative to regular fries without sacrificing the satisfying crunch. Baked instead of fried, they still achieve that perfect texture we all crave alongside chicken meatballs.
17. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries provide another fantastic alternative to regular fries. Their natural sweetness beautifully contrasts with savory, salty chicken meatballs, creating a delightful flavor combination that’s hard to resist!
18. Twice-Baked Potatoes
These versatile twice-baked potatoes come in two scrumptious variations: one with cheddar cheese and bacon, and another with blue cheese and chives. Either version makes a hearty, satisfying side for chicken meatballs.
19. Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
These aromatic potatoes elevate the humble spud with earthy rosemary. Each bite offers the perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. When served with chicken meatballs, you’ve got a meal worth remembering!
20. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Prepare to have your opinion on Brussels sprouts completely transformed! Tossed in maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air-fried to crispy perfection, these caramelized sprouts pair surprisingly well with tender, savory chicken meatballs.
Make Your Chicken Meatballs Extra Special
While we’re focusing on side dishes, I gotta mention the “Marry Me Chicken Meatballs” trend that’s taking dinner tables by storm! Legend says it’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because once you make it for someone, they’ll love it so much they’ll want to marry you!
The sauce combines sundried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s creamy, zesty, and absolutely droolworthy. Pair these special meatballs with any of the sides above for a meal that might just lead to a proposal!
Pairing Tips for Chicken Meatball Success
To create the perfect meal, consider these tips when choosing what to serve with your chicken meatballs:
- Consider the sauce – Tomato-based sauces pair well with starches like pasta and potatoes, while cream-based sauces work beautifully with lighter sides like vegetables
- Balance textures – If your meatballs are soft and saucy, add something crispy like garlic bread or roasted potatoes
- Think about the occasion – Casual family dinner? Mac and cheese is perfect. Dinner party? Try risotto or polenta for an elegant touch
- Don’t forget freshness – A simple Caesar salad can brighten up even the richest chicken meatball dish
Let’s Wrap This Up!
There you have it—20 amazing sides that’ll transform your chicken meatball meal from basic to brilliant! From comfort food classics like mashed potatoes to healthier options like zucchini fries, there’s something for every taste, occasion, and dietary preference.
I personally love serving my chicken meatballs over creamy polenta with a side of garlic bread, but the beauty of these versatile protein bites is that they play well with so many different companions. The next time you’re wondering what to eat with chicken meatballs, just return to this list for inspiration!
So what’s your favorite side to serve with chicken meatballs? Are you a traditionalist with pasta, or do you prefer something more unexpected? Either way, these juicy, tender meatballs deserve the perfect partner on your plate!
my favorite way to enjoy meatballs!
I want to clarify that meatballs are not eaten with pasta in Italy – they are the main event! And for good reason, theyre amazing! But in America, we often have them over pasta. So, for some basics, here are two main ways I love meatballs.
- With toasty sourdough, you can scoop up all that sauce.
- Over spaghetti noodles or other pasta because the sauce coats all the little noodles.
- On their own because meatballs are just plain delicious!
Dinner: Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce Recipe – Natasha’s Kitchen
FAQ
What is a good side with meatballs?
How do you eat Trader Joe’s chicken meatballs?
… in all kinds of culinary situations, be it in a stir-fry, sandwich, or soup, or even simply enjoyed on their own, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce …