These canned chicken meatballs are a game changer for anyone following a carnivore diet or simply looking for a protein rich meal.
Made with just a few simple ingredients, they’re surprisingly delicious and satisfying, proving that you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something special.
What makes these meatballs stand out is their unique combination of canned chicken and cheese. The addition of bacon crumbles takes them to the next level, adding a smoky depth that makes these meatballs irresistible.
Whether you prefer using an air fryer for quick results or the traditional oven method, these meatballs turn out perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside.
The simplicity of this recipe makes it perfect for meal prep or when you need a quick protein option. You can make a big batch and store them in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Satisfying: These meatballs are filling and satisfying. After eating them, you’ll feel full and content. This is important when you’re on a diet because it helps prevent snacking between meals.
Perfect For Beginners: If you’re new to the carnivore diet or cooking in general, this recipe is a great starting point. The steps are super clear – just mix, form, and cook.
Two Cooking Methods: Whether you have an air fryer or regular oven, you can make these meatballs. Both methods work great, giving you crispy, golden brown meatballs.
Zero Carb Binding: Most traditional meatball recipes use breadcrumbs as a binder, but these use cheese and eggs instead. This makes them perfect for the carnivore diet while still holding together beautifully.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 12.5 oz Canned Chicken
- 2 Eggs (large)
- 1 cup shredded Cheese (I recommend this one – amazon link)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Bacon Crumbles
- Black Pepper
- Optional: Smoked Paprika
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 3
Use a scoop or your hands to form meatballs.
Step 4
Cook the meatballs using one of these methods:
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C)
- Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
Step 5
Cook until the meatballs are crispy and golden brown. Enjoy your delicious carnivore meatballs!
💡Tips
1. Mix Ingredients Thoroughly, But Don’t Overmix
When you’re combining all your ingredients in the bowl, make sure everything is mixed well.
You want to see the cheese, eggs, and seasonings evenly distributed throughout the chicken. However, be careful not to overmix.
Use your hands. This gives you more control and lets you feel when everything is well combined.
Mix until you don’t see any large chunks of chicken or clumps of cheese, but stop before the mixture becomes paste like.
2. Let the Mixture Rest Before Shaping
After you’ve mixed all your ingredients together, I recommend letting the mixture sit in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before you start shaping your meatballs.
This resting time allows the cheese to start binding with the other ingredients, which can make the mixture easier to shape.
It also gives the flavors a chance to meld together. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but if you have the time, it can improve both the texture and flavor of your meatballs.
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FAQ
1. Why do my meatballs fall apart?
You might have too much moisture – make sure to drain the canned chicken really well and pat it dry if needed.
I also recommend chilling the mixture for 15-20 minutes before forming the meatballs. Also, be gentle when shaping them – squeezing too hard can make them fall apart later.
If they’re still falling apart, try adding a bit more parmesan cheese, which helps bind everything together.
2. What kind of shredded cheese works best?
Hard or semi-hard cheeses work best because they have less moisture. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a mixture of both work great.
Avoid soft cheeses like cream cheese. The cheese should be finely shredded – if the shreds are too large, the meatballs might not hold together well.
3. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them after cooking! Let them cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the air fryer for 5 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Carnivore Canned Chicken Meatballs
Print RecipeIngredients
- 12.5 oz Canned Chicken
- 2 Eggs large
- 1 cup shredded Cheese (I recommend this one – amazon link)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- Bacon Crumbles
- Black Pepper
- Optional: Smoked Paprika
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Use a scoop or your hands to form meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs using one of these methods:* Air fry for 10-15 minutes at 380°F (193°C)* Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (204°C)
- Cook until the meatballs are crispy and golden brown. Enjoy your delicious carnivore meatballs!