Freeform Chicken Meatballs with Carrots and Yogurt Sauce

A delicious combination of crispy chicken meatballs seasoned with garam masala and lemon zest, served alongside roasted carrots on a bed of creamy yogurt sauce and topped with fresh arugula.

4 servings
1 hr 5 min

Ingredients

  • lb carrots
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 5 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • tsp kosher salt
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 6 whole scallions
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tbsp plain breadcrumbs
  • 3 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups baby arugula
  • to taste flaky sea salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 425°F. Toss carrots, red pepper flakes, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 1/2 tsp. kosher salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast on lower rack, tossing once halfway through, until carrots are nicely browned and fork-tender, 20-25 minutes.

    25 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, mix ground chicken, scallions, egg, breadcrumbs, lemon zest, garam masala, 2 Tbsp. oil, and 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt in a large bowl until just combined.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Rub another rimmed baking sheet with 1 Tbsp. oil. Using your hands, scatter chicken mixture in small mounds (about 2") on baking sheet. Roast on upper rack, turning pieces once halfway through with a spatula, until browned, crispy-edged, and cooked through, 15-20 minutes.

    20 min

  4. 4.

    Meanwhile, whisk yogurt, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and remaining 1/4 tsp. kosher salt in a small bowl. Spoon sauce over a platter or divide among plates, swooshing with the back of a spoon.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Transfer carrots to baking sheet with meatballs and toss to combine. Arrange over yogurt sauce, then top with arugula. Drizzle with oil and lemon juice; season with sea salt.

    5 min