Let me just say that I’ve made this recipe 3 times in the past 2 weeks! I mixed all the ingredients together, gave it a quick sear and let it cook in my Instant Pot. Mine looked more like sliders because I used dark meat for the ground chicken. These reheat perfectly and are great as a packed lunch.
The Instant Pot is so popular right now and if you’re like me, you probably ordered yours during last year’s black Friday sale. I’ve played with mine a couple of times with existing recipes I already have but it can be a hit or miss. I was really excited when Jennifer from Predominantly Paleo released her latest book, Paleo Cooking with Your Instant Pot. I don’t have to tinker around with the settings because her recipes tell me exactly what to use.
This Cilantro Chicken Meatballs recipe gets two thumbs up from me so give it a try and add it to your weekly meal prep!
UPDATE: I made a minor edit to the ingredients to include 2 tbsp of tapioca flour to the mixture to firm it up. I added it as a note but those who have tried it already might have missed it!
From Jennifer: These simple meatballs come together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner, yet they are scrumptious enough to serve to a party of special guests! You’ll love the combination of garlic and onion with the subtle undertone of sesame oil and fresh cilantro.
Cilantro Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pastured chicken
- 1/2 onion minced
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp tapioca flour or any gluten-free flour *** add more if your mixture is still too soft! OR go to the Notes section below for substitutions.
- 1/4 cup avocado oil olive oil or preferred cooking fat
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
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To assemble the meatballs, begin by combining all of the ingredients, except for the cooking fat and water, in a mixing bowl. Use your hands to make sure the ingredients are incorporated well with each other.
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Plug in your Instant Pot, pour the 1⁄4 cup cooking fat into the stainless steel basin and press the Sauté button.
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Shape your meatballs until they are a couple of inches in diameter and place them into the hot oil.
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Cook the meatballs on all sides until they begin to brown, around 5 minutes, and then press the Warm/Cancel button.
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Add the water to the bottom of the stainless bowl.
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Secure the lid to the IP, close of the pressure valve and press the Manual button.
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Now press the “-” button until the display reads 5 minutes. Allow the meatballs to cook.
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Once complete, quick-release the pressure valve and remove the lid once safe to do so. Transfer the meatballs to a towel-lined plate and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Alternative:
- These can be made in the slow cooker. Follow the initial directions above, shaping the raw ingredients, and then place the uncooked meatballs into the slow cooker basin. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for around 1–2 hours. You will want to omit the water in the cooking basin but should include a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Jenny's Notes:
- I used dark meat ground chicken and added 2 tbsp of tapioca flour to the mixture so they're firmer when cooking.
- The Macros calculated also include the tapioca flour.
- To make firmer meatballs without adding starch or any type of binder, use ground turkey instead! Get the 93% lean 7% fat type, not the fat free one.
Don’t forget to grab a copy of Paleo Cooking with Your Instant Pot so you can make healthy, delicious meals in less than half the time!
Hello! Do you end up just stacking the meatballs on top of each other as they’re done browning or are they small enough to fit the entire bottom of the IP?
I take them out and set aside in a bowl once browned so i can brown the rest 🙂
Thanks! Should like liquid necessarily cover all of the meatballs?
No, just a tiny bit so it doesn’t burn.
Mine fell apart, any tips?
I’m sorry about that! I did have the same issue the first time I made it so I added 2 tbsp of starch so the meat sticks together. I added that note in the recipe when I posted it.
I’m halfway through browning these, and I can tell I’m in for a disaster. The meat “blobs” are so loose that they a)stick to the bottom of the instant pot and b) completely fall apart when I try to unstick or flip them. Total bummer.
Sorry to hear that Jason! I added that note in the recipe when I posted it that I made mods and added starch to make it firm up.
This was a total flop for me. A runny mess 😕
Sorry to hear that Megan. I had the same issue at first so I added my mods to the recipe notes.
I made these tonight after reading everyone’s comments and I can see what they mean. It is very loose after adding a total of 5 Tbs of tapioca flour. But I had also made your turmeric garlic rice so I improvised!! I added the rice until I got the consistency that I wanted. I’m about to pull them out of the instant pot now. Fingers crosswd! And next time I think I’ll just double the amount of chicken.
Yes it really needs a lot of binder! I tried this with ground turkey and it holds its shape so much better. If you are ok with subbing ground turkey, it will still taste great!
That photo looks like more than 1 pound worth of meatballs. Can you double the recipe and still cook the whole thing in the IP?
My meatballs were tiny (1″ diameter) so it looks like a lot in the photo. If you double the recipe, you will have to sear it in 2 batches then cook it all together in the end.
Hi Jenny! Not sure where to post this, but thought I would give this a shot. I know you’ve been on RP for a bit now, and I’m contemplating doing a macro program. I’ve been counting macros for about 2 months now, but am not really seeing any progress. If anything, I feel fluffier! I am concerned about starting a strict program for sanity reasons, cost, flexibility, fear that my social life will suffer, etc, but at the same time, I am wanting to see results. (I also hate weighing myself ha). Mostly just looking for your thoughts. 🙂
Hi Grace, can you email me? paleofoodiekitchen@gmail.com 🙂
Mmm I used ground organic turkey, added extra tapioca and still too runny to form into balls, then added heaps of almond flour, still to runny – fail
I cannot get these firm enough to even make into a meatball. It really hurts when you’re on a limited budget. I’ve used over 5T of tapioca flour. Maybe I can salvage with rice as another stated. I should have read through the comments before I shopped.