Name: Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix; 1 package cream cheese (softened); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 lb ground chicken (uncooked); ¼ cup melted garlic butter

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When I think about comfort food, Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs instantly pops into my mind. It’s a dish that evokes memories of cozy family gatherings and laughter around the dinner table. Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as these meatballs bake to golden perfection. I stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly evening and decided to whip it up for my family, and let me tell you, it was an instant hit! These meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the special blend of ingredients, including the famed Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix. Every bite is a tender explosion of cheesy goodness that just makes you feel warm inside. You won’t believe how easy they are to prepare, and trust me, they’ll disappear faster than you can say ‘meatball.’ Give it a try, and you’ll see why this dish has become a staple in our home.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
15 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Kitchen-Aid Mixer, Small Cookie Scoop, Rotary Cheese Grater

What’s Great About This Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs

Flavorful Fusion

The first thing that stands out about Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs is the combination of flavors. The cheddar cheese and cream cheese create a creamy, rich texture that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of ground chicken. Using the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix adds that iconic flavor that truly sets these meatballs apart from the rest.

Easy to Make

I love how straightforward this recipe is. You don’t need any fancy culinary skills to whip up these Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs. With just a few ingredients and the help of a stand mixer, you can have a delicious dish ready in no time. This is particularly great for busy weeknights when you just want something quick yet satisfying.

Kid-Friendly

If you’re looking for a way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, this recipe is a winner. They can help mix the ingredients, shape the meatballs, and of course, they will love eating them! It’s a great way to introduce them to cooking while enjoying quality time together.

Meal Prep Friendly

Another reason to love Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs is their adaptability. You can make a large batch and freeze them for later. This means you’ll have a quick and delicious meal option ready whenever you need it! Simply pop them in the oven from frozen, and they will still turn out perfectly.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or even game night, these meatballs always please the crowd. They can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making them incredibly versatile. Plus, who doesn’t love a good meatball?

Everything You Need for Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs

For the Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs, we’re using a blend of ingredients that work harmoniously to create a mouthwatering dish. The Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix acts as the base, giving these meatballs their signature flavor and texture. The cream cheese adds richness while the shredded cheddar cheese contributes an extra cheesy goodness. The ground chicken is key to achieving a tender meatball that’s not too dense. Lastly, a brush of melted garlic butter before serving elevates this dish to new heights.

1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix: This mix is the star ingredient, bringing that beloved buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken.
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened: Adds creaminess and richness, ensuring that your meatballs are moist and flavorful.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For an extra cheesy kick, this ingredient melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor.
1 lb ground chicken, uncooked: A lean protein that keeps the meatballs light while still packing a punch in the flavor department.
¼ cup melted garlic butter: Brushing this over the meatballs before serving adds a delicious, rich finish.

Making This Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs

As we dive into the process of making Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs, you’ll quickly realize how rewarding and simple it is. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll soon have a platter of golden-brown meatballs ready for your family or friends. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 400ºF. This initial step is crucial to ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a lovely golden color.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix and the seasoning packet. Add the ground chicken, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is incorporated. The texture will be thick and gooey, and that’s just how we want it!
Once the mixture is well combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out the mixture into 1-inch balls. This is the fun part! Make sure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Place the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This not only prevents sticking but also makes for an easy clean-up. If you want, you can freeze the meatballs at this point by placing them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Now for the best part! Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You want them to be nicely golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them; the aroma will be irresistible!
Once they’re done baking, remove them from the oven and brush with the melted garlic butter. This adds a gorgeous sheen and an extra touch of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Let them cool slightly before serving. This gives them a chance to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle. You can serve them as is, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider tossing them in a spicy sauce for a kick! They’re great on their own but can adapt to your desired flavor.
Enjoy these Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. They’re versatile, delicious, and sure to impress.

Things Worth Knowing

Mixing Technique: Use a stand mixer for best results, but mixing by hand works too. Just ensure ingredients are well combined without over-mixing.
Texture Check: The meatball mixture should be thick and somewhat sticky. If it’s too dry, add a touch more cream cheese; if too wet, add a bit more biscuit mix.
Uniform Size: Keeping your meatballs uniform in size ensures they cook evenly. A small cookie scoop is perfect for this job!
Internal Temperature: Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety.

Making Adjustments

One of the best parts about cooking is the ability to adjust recipes to suit your tastes. With these Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs, there’s plenty of room for creativity and modifications. Here are some tips to help you make this dish your own:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re great reheated!
Freezing: You can freeze these meatballs before or after baking. If freezing after baking, ensure they cool completely before placing in a freezer bag.
Pairing: Serve these meatballs with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or pasta for a complete meal.
Gluten-Free Option: To make gluten-free meatballs, use the gluten-free Red Lobster biscuit mix.
Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the mixture.
Meal Prep: Prepare the mixture in advance and shape the meatballs. Store in the fridge overnight for a quick dinner option the next day.

How to Enjoy Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs

As an Appetizer: These meatballs make for a fantastic appetizer at parties. Serve them with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauce!
For Dinner: Pair them with a side of mashed potatoes or rice, and you have a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
With Pasta: Toss them on top of your favorite pasta with a light sauce for an Italian twist.
During Game Night: Serve them during your next game night for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s sure to impress.
Make It a Feast: Create a buffet-style dinner by serving these meatballs alongside various sides and sauces for dipping.
Seasonal Pairings: In winter, serve with hearty roasted vegetables, and in summer, pair them with a refreshing salad.

FAQ

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken in Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs. It will provide a slightly different flavor, but the texture and overall deliciousness will remain intact. Just ensure that the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165ºF to be safe.

Leftovers of Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick meal or snack. They also make for a great topping on salads or part of a sandwich!

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them into balls in advance. Just place them on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, and then bake them fresh the next day for a delightful and convenient meal.

For Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs, you can pair them with a variety of dipping sauces. A classic marinara sauce works beautifully, or try a spicy buffalo sauce for a kick. Honey mustard is also a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of sweetness. Get creative and find your perfect combination!

Conclusion

The Cheddar Bay Chicken Meatballs are truly a crowd-pleaser and an excellent addition to any dinner table. Their cheesy, savory goodness makes them a delightful treat that everyone will love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s easy, delicious, and will surely impress your family and friends!