Name: TACO CHICKEN MEATBALLS
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground chicken (Isernio's, linked below); 1-2 eggs; Bread crumbs (I prefer a gluten-free version like Cauli Crunch); Taco Seasoning (I recommend Kinders Flavors); Jalapeño, finely diced (optional); 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; Green leaf lettuce; Shredded broccoli & cabbage mix; Shredded carrots; Cornbread croutons; Sliced green onions; Corn kernels; Shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions

TACO CHICKEN BALLS

Preheat your oven or air fryer to 325°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, diced jalapeño, half of the bag of Cauli Crunch bread crumbs, and around 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste preferences.
Mix the ingredients gently until well combined.
(Optional) For an extra crunch, roll the chicken mixture again in the remaining Cauli Crunch bread crumbs.
Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in the air fryer basket.
Bake or air fry the chicken balls for approximately 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

HEALTHIER HOMEMADE ELOTE STYLE DRESSING

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, honey or maple syrup (if using), ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

ASSEMBLING THE SALAD

In a large salad bowl, toss together green leaf lettuce, shredded broccoli & cabbage mix, shredded carrots, croutons, sliced green onions, corn kernels, shaved Parmesan cheese, and my favorite add in's of sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, cooked black beans, sliced bell peppers, and fresh cilantro leaves.
Once the chicken balls are done, serve them hot alongside the healthier salad.
Drizzle the homemade Elote Style dressing over the salad just before serving or serve it on the side for individual preference.

Notes

ALTERNATIVE TOPPING OPTIONS:

Sliced avocado

Diced fresh tomatoes

Cooked black beans

Sliced bell peppers

Fresh cilantro leaves

Additional Serving Ideas for Taco Chicken Balls:

Serve them as appetizers with a side of salsa, queso, Mexican street corn dip, or guacamole for dipping.
Make taco bowls by serving the chicken balls over cooked rice or quinoa, topped with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, avocado, and sour cream.
Use them as filling for tacos, burritos, or lettuce wraps, along with your preferred toppings and sauces.

Experiment with different serving ideas and enjoy the versatility of these delicious Taco Chicken Balls!

Taco Chicken Meatballs 🌮