Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce

Looking for a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and endlessly versatile? These Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce are a guaranteed hit. Juicy, oven-baked chicken meatballs are smothered in a velvety homemade ranch sauce that’s bursting with herbaceous, garlicky goodness. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light and wholesome.

Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta—or tucked into slider buns for a crowd-pleasing appetizer—these meatballs deliver big flavor in a simple package. Best of all, they’re oven-baked and made with basic pantry ingredients, making this recipe an easy go-to on busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and Flavorful Meatballs: Made with ground chicken, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.

• Homemade Creamy Ranch Sauce: A tangy, savory twist that elevates the whole dish.

• Kid-Friendly: Mild, creamy flavors that appeal to all ages.

• Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping.

• Versatile: Serve over grains, veggies, or even as sliders.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground chicken

• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: fresh chopped dill or parsley for garnish

Homemade Ranch Seasoning (Optional)

Mix together:

• 1 tablespoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon dried dill

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Store in an airtight container for future use!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Mix the Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, ranch seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.

• Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs may become tough.

3. Form and Bake

• Using a tablespoon or small scoop, form 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

• Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

4. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

• Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.

• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.

• Stir in ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.

• Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

• Stir in sour cream and cook for 1–2 more minutes until warmed through and creamy.

5. Combine and Serve

• Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat.

• Garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, savory dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

1. Over Mashed Potatoes

The creamy ranch sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.

2. With Steamed Rice or Quinoa

A simple base of grains lets the flavor of the meatballs and sauce shine.

3. As a Pasta Dish

Toss everything with penne or rotini for a ranch-inspired pasta bowl.

4. With Roasted Veggies

Balance the richness of the dish with roasted broccoli, carrots, or zucchini.

5. As Sliders or Wraps

Place meatballs on slider buns or wrap in flatbread with lettuce for a fun, handheld option.

Tips for Success

1. Use Ground Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meatballs
Chicken breast is lean, but thighs add extra moisture and flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Meat
Gently combine ingredients for tender, airy meatballs.

3. Let the Sauce Thicken Gradually
Avoid high heat when thickening the sauce—it helps maintain a smooth texture.

4. Bake vs. Fry
Baking the meatballs keeps things lighter and easier. For extra browning, broil them briefly at the end.

5. Double the Batch
Make a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for later. They’re great to have on hand.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezer

• Freeze meatballs separately on a tray, then transfer to freezer-safe bags.

• Freeze sauce in a separate container (note: sour cream–based sauces may need stirring after thawing).

• Reheat meatballs in the oven or skillet; reheat sauce slowly on the stove.

Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbs: 15g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 540mg

Perfect for a high-protein, family-friendly meal with balanced macronutrients.

Make It Your Own

Make It Spicy

• Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.

Swap the Protein

• Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.

Add Veggies

• Mix chopped spinach or shredded zucchini into the meatball mixture for extra nutrients.

Use Greek Yogurt

• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, higher-protein sauce.

Reader Reviews

“I served these with garlic mashed potatoes, and it was a hit with the whole family—even the picky eaters!”
— Natalie M.

“Super flavorful, and the sauce was SO creamy. I used turkey and added fresh dill—amazing.”
— Kevin J.

“Made this for meal prep and it held up perfectly. Reheated like a dream.”
— Rachel S.

More Easy Meatball Recipes

If you enjoyed these, you might love:

• Greek Chicken Meatballs with Tzatziki

• Honey Garlic Chicken Meatballs

• Buffalo Ranch Turkey Meatballs

• Creamy Swedish Meatballs

• Spinach and Feta Chicken Meatballs

All easy, wholesome, and full of flavor—perfect for rotating into your weekly meal plan.

A New Weeknight Favorite

These Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Ranch Sauce are the perfect blend of simple and satisfying. They bring comfort food vibes with a fresh, herby twist—great for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a regular on your dinner table.

The Power of Ranch: Why It Works So Well

There’s a reason ranch has become one of the most beloved flavors in American cooking—it’s the perfect blend of herbs, garlic, tang, and creaminess. When paired with tender chicken meatballs, it adds just the right amount of richness without overwhelming the dish. Whether you’re a ranch lover or just curious, this sauce transforms simple ingredients into something truly crave-worthy.

A Recipe That Grows With You

This dish is incredibly adaptable depending on where you are in life:

• New to cooking? It’s beginner-friendly and foolproof.

• Cooking for kids? The creamy, mellow flavor is a guaranteed hit.

• Feeding a crowd? Double the batch and watch it disappear.

• Meal prepping? It reheats beautifully and holds its texture.
  This is the kind of recipe that stays in your kitchen rotation for years.

Hosting Made Easy: Serve as Appetizers or Party Bites

These chicken meatballs aren’t just for dinner—they make a fantastic party appetizer too. Serve them with toothpicks and a small bowl of ranch for dipping, or keep them warm in a slow cooker for game day. Guests won’t believe how simple they are to make.

Make It a Family Night Favorite

Turn this recipe into a full family dinner night by:

• Letting kids roll the meatballs

• Serving buffet-style with rice, pasta, or buns

• Adding roasted vegetables or a green salad on the side

It’s hands-on, flexible, and gets everyone involved—a great way to connect around the dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the meat: This can make meatballs dense or rubbery.

• Undercooking the flour roux: Let it cook at least 1 minute to avoid a raw flour taste.

• Skipping the seasoning: Even ranch seasoning benefits from a little salt and fresh herbs to brighten it up.

• Boiling the sauce too quickly: Gentle heat gives you a smooth, creamy texture.

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