These French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb) are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, bringing together tender, juicy chicken meatballs with rich, caramelized onions and melty cheese for an irresistible dinner option. Perfect for anyone wanting a comforting, flavorful meal without the extra carbs, this recipe balances savory, sweet, and cheesy notes in a way that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a cozy night in or just want to treat yourself, these meatballs deliver that warm satisfaction you crave.

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making these French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb) shine. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavor, texture, and a pop of color on your plate.

1 lb ground chicken (lean or thighs): Provides a moist and tender base for perfectly juicy meatballs.

1 medium sweet onion (grated and drained): Adds subtle sweetness and moisture to keep meatballs tender.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the meatball ingredients together.

4 cloves garlic (grated): Infuses the meatballs with aromatic, savory depth.
⅓ cup potato chips (crushed): A clever low-carb binding ingredient that offers texture and flavor without flour.

⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a salty, umami-packed punch inside the meatballs.
⅓ cup parsley (or cilantro, finely chopped): Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness to balance richness.
1 ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.

2 large sweet onions (thinly sliced): For creating the signature caramelized onion sauce that coats the meatballs.
6 cloves garlic (minced): Adds extra layers of flavor to the sauce.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Invokes a silky richness for perfectly golden onions.

3 tbsp olive oil: Helps soften the onions and keep the sauce luscious.
1 ½ cups beef broth: Provides savory depth and a touch of elegance to the sauce.
6 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish): Infuses subtle herbal notes that complement chicken and onions.

1 tsp kosher salt: To season the sauce just right.
7 slices Havarti cheese (or 2 cups grated Gruyere): Melts gloriously over the meatballs, adding creamy indulgence.

How to Make These French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb)

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Chicken Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated sweet onion (make sure to drain any excess moisture), egg, grated garlic, crushed potato chips, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until well incorporated. Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop, portion out the mixture onto the baking sheet. Wet your hands to shape the scooped mixture into firm, uniform meatballs and arrange them evenly. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165F. Leave oven on as you’ll use it again to melt cheese later.

Step 2: Create the Classic French Onion Sauce

While the meatballs bake, start your sauce by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions along with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and slowly cook them until soft and a deep golden brown, about 20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Halfway through, add the unsalted butter to elevate the richness and enhance caramelization. Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, releasing that beautiful fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Add fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet along with the beef broth. Bring everything to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer and let the liquid reduce slightly, thickening the sauce over about 5 minutes. Nestle the baked chicken meatballs into the sauce, spoon some caramelized onions over the top, and layer the Havarti (or Gruyere) cheese slices over each meatball for that mouthwatering finishing touch. Place the skillet back into the hot 450F oven and bake until the cheese has melted and become bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

How to Serve These French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb)

Garnishes

To make every bite pop, fresh garnishes are key. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds color and a bright herbaceous finish that beautifully contrasts the savory meatballs. Throw in some extra thyme sprigs for visual appeal and subtle aroma.

Side Dishes

Since These French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb) are themselves a complete and hearty dish, they shine best with light, complementary sides. Consider serving with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for freshness or sautéed asparagus for a touch of crunch and elegance. For something warm, roasted cauliflower makes an excellent low-carb companion without competing in flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at dinner? Serve these meatballs over a bed of creamy cauliflower mash for an indulgent plate that’s still low carb. You can also turn them into sliders using lettuce wraps in place of buns for a fun appetizer twist. Layer the meatballs with extra caramelized onions and melted cheese in small ramekins for individual servings that look stunning and invite everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during busy weekdays.

Freezing

You can freeze these meatballs either cooked or raw. For cooked storage, place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag with some sauce to keep them moist. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When freezing raw, shape the meatballs and flash freeze on a tray before storing in bags—this avoids clumping and makes it easy to take out just what you need.

Reheating

Reheat thawed meatballs gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to moisten, or warm them in the oven at 350F covered with foil to keep them juicy. Microwaving works too, but it’s best to cover to trap steam and avoid drying out the meatballs.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will yield a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the caramelized onions and cheese.

Are these meatballs truly low carb?

Yes, the recipe uses crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs, dramatically reducing the carb content while maintaining texture. Coupled with the natural low-carb profile of chicken and cheese, this dish fits nicely into a low-carb diet.

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?

You can omit the Parmesan and Havarti cheese or substitute with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that cheese adds a lot to the flavor and texture, so using high-quality substitutes will give the best results.

What’s the best way to prevent the onions from burning?

Cooking the onions over medium-low heat and stirring frequently is essential. Adding butter halfway through also helps keep the onions moist and golden, avoiding any burnt bits that would make the sauce bitter.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead and freeze before cooking?

Yes, shaping and freezing the raw meatballs before baking is very convenient. When ready to cook, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to baking time until cooked through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that feels indulgent while staying low carb, These French Onion Chicken Meatballs (Low Carb) are a must-try. From the juicy meatballs to the luscious onion sauce and melted cheese, every bite offers comfort and satisfaction. I encourage you to give this recipe a chance to become your go-to, especially when you want to impress with a dish that feels special yet easy to make.