If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends the comforting flavors of cheesy biscuits and savory chicken, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs Recipe. These tender, flavorful meatballs marry the iconic goodness of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with juicy ground chicken, creating an irresistible appetizer or main dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving them at a casual family dinner or looking to impress guests with something unique yet utterly comforting, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering the classic cheddar bay flavor—you get richness, moisture, and that perfect cheesy bite thanks to well-chosen components.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (11.36-oz package): The secret to that famous biscuit taste, bringing a perfect blend of herbs and cheese flavors.
- Cream cheese (8-oz, softened): Adds creaminess and keeps the meatballs tender and moist inside.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): For that sharp, melty cheesy goodness that defines this dish.
- Ground chicken (1 lb, uncooked): A lean, mild protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
- Melted garlic butter (¼ cup): Brushed on top for a golden finish and irresistible aroma.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF to make sure it’s ready to bake the meatballs perfectly. A hot oven helps form a nice golden crust without drying out the inside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (or use a sturdy spoon and some muscle power), combine the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix along with its seasoning packet, ground chicken, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is just incorporated—this ensures equal distribution of cheese and seasoning for each bite.
Step 3: Shape Your Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, perfect for bite-sized delights. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Bonus tip: You can freeze the meatballs at this stage if you want to save some for later—just pop them back into the oven when you’re ready.
Step 4: Bake and Brush with Garlic Butter
Bake your meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden brown hue. Once out of the oven, brush them generously with melted garlic butter to add that buttery aroma and extra flavor burst, sealing in their juiciness and making every bite a mouthwatering experience.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes these meatballs better than a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. A light dusting of extra shredded cheddar right after baking can also melt slightly and add to the cheesy indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pairing these meatballs with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies balances the richness and adds freshness. Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf are also fantastic companions, making your meal hearty without overpowering the bold flavors of the meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the meatballs on a skewer with little cherry tomatoes and olives in between for a fun finger-food twist. Alternatively, nestle them over pasta tossed in a light cream sauce to turn this appetizer into a full, comforting dinner dish that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor and texture well, making lunches or second meals both quick and satisfying.
Freezing
Freeze fully formed, unbaked meatballs on a lined tray until solid, then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated meatballs gently in the oven at 350ºF for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the outside crisp and cheesy buttery finish intact.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a lean alternative and will still capture the delicious taste of the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, keeping those meatballs flavorful and moist.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional biscuit mix contains gluten, but you can experiment by substituting with a gluten-free biscuit or baking mix that has similar herbs and seasonings—just adjust the moisture accordingly.
Can these meatballs be made without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can mix everything by hand using a sturdy spoon or your hands. Just be sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly for an even texture and flavor distribution.
How do I get a crispy exterior on these meatballs?
Baking at a high temperature like 400ºF helps achieve a golden exterior. Additionally, brushing with melted garlic butter after baking enhances crispness and flavor.
What dips or sauces go well with these meatballs?
They’re incredible on their own, but a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or a tangy honey mustard dip can complement the cheesy, garlicky flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs Recipe is such a joyous dish to make and share. The blend of cheesy, garlicky, and tender qualities all wrapped in bite-sized magic makes it a standout treat any day of the week. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to devour!
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Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic Red Lobster cheddar bay biscuits, combining savory ground chicken with creamy cheddar cheese and garlic butter for a flavorful, easy-to-make appetizer or main dish. These bite-sized meatballs are baked to golden perfection and brushed with melted garlic butter, perfect for a quick meal or party snack.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 lb ground chicken, uncooked
Topping
- ¼ cup melted garlic butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the meatballs evenly and achieving a golden crust.
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, add the Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix along with the seasoning packet, ground chicken, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a cohesive meatball mixture.
- Shape Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them spaced evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. At this stage, you may freeze the meatballs if not cooking immediately.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs turn golden brown on the outside and are cooked through.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and immediately brush them generously with the melted garlic butter to infuse extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- You can freeze the formed meatballs before baking; bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend well with the other ingredients for a smooth texture.
- Serve these meatballs as an appetizer with dipping sauces or pair with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a light meal.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
