High Protein Chipotle BBQ Meatballs Whisk and Wine

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If you're like me, you want meal prep that feels effortless and actually enjoyable to eat. Enter these high protein chipotle BBQ chicken meatballs. Each little bite is smoky, saucy, and packed with protein thanks to the ground chicken and cottage cheese. I love making big batches of these high protein meatball recipe on Sundays-half for the fridge, half for the freezer-so we always have fresh, flavorful, grab-and-go protein on hand.

These smoky little bites are just as good cold from the fridge as they are hot out of the air fryer-my go-to busy weekday protein. If you like high protein meatball recipes, you will love my Pesto Chicken Meatballs, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs or these Taco Style Meatballs.

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Ingredients
High protein Chipotle BBQ Meatballs Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment to Make High Protein Meatball Recipe
How to Store High Protein Chipotle BBQ Meatballs
FAQ
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Ingredients

To make these high protein chipotle BBQ meatballs, you'll need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples.

All you need are the following ingredients:

Canned chipotle chilis in adobo + some adobo sauce
BBQ sauce (I love using Fox Brothers BBQ sauce for its smoky-sweet balance, but any favorite brand works!)
Cottage cheese
Worcestershire sauce
Minced garlic
Breadcrumbs
Chopped scallions
Eggs
Ground chicken
Avocado oil spray

See recipe card for quantities.

High protein Chipotle BBQ Meatballs Instructions

These meatballs come together quickly, and with just a few steps you'll have a big batch ready for the week (and the freezer).

Blending the wet ingredients in a beast blender for high protein chipotle BBQ meatballs.

Step 1: Blend the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle chilis, adobo sauce, BBQ sauce, and garlic. Blend until smooth

Mixing the ingredients for high protein chipotle BBQ meatballs in a bowl to get ready to form meatballs.

Step 2: Mix the base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended sauce with cottage cheese, Worcestershire, breadcrumbs, scallions, eggs, and ground chicken. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined.

Scooping high protein chipotle BBQ meatballs into the airfryer to cook.

Step 3: Scoop meatballs. Using a small melon baller or mini ice cream scoop, portion the mixture into about 50 bite-sized meatballs.

Pulling bbq chicken meatballs out of the air fryer once they are cooked through.

Step 4: Air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray or dot each meatball with avocado oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the basket (working in batches if needed). Cook for 6 minutes, shaking the basket at the 4-minute mark for even browning.

Hint: Because cottage cheese is one of the star ingredients here, it keeps the meatballs moist and adds extra protein without making them dense. Don't skip it-it's what makes this high protein meatball recipe stand out from the pack.

Substitutions

Ground chicken → Ground turkey: Swap in turkey for a similar lean, high-protein option. Cooking time stays the same.
Cottage cheese → Ricotta cheese: For a slightly creamier, less tangy flavor. Protein will be a little lower.
Breadcrumbs → Almond flour: Keeps it gluten-free, but expect a softer, looser texture.
BBQ sauce → Any variety you love: Sweet, smoky, or spicy-Since I'm from Atlanta, Fox Brothers is my go-to, but you can use your favorite.

Variations

Sweet & smoky: Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup to the sauce blend before mixing.
Cheesy stuffed: Tuck a small cube of cheddar inside each meatball for a melty surprise.
Meal prep bowls: Serve meatballs over quinoa or brown rice with roasted veggies for a full high-protein meal.

Try a few other high protein mini meatball recipes like, Pesto Chicken Meatballs, Buffalo Chicken Meatballs or these Taco Style Meatballs.

Equipment to Make High Protein Meatball Recipe

Bella 4Qt Slim Ceramic Air Fryer - I use this PFAS-free air fryer for all my high-protein meal prep - it's non-toxic, easy to
Blender - I love the Beast Premium Compact Blender when I make sauces. It's extremely powerful, and I love the aesthetic.
Serrated-edge food chopper - one of the most underrated kitchen tools out there. Do yourself a favor and grab one. I use mine for everything - from breaking up ground chicken for meatballs like these to mixing tuna or chicken salad so it all comes together perfectly.
I use this 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to speed up making my meatballs
I love these non-toxic mixing bowls with lids. Plus, they're pretty!

How to Store High Protein Chipotle BBQ Meatballs

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of BBQ sauce if they seem dry.