Step 1

Prep the vegetables (onion, carrot, garlic): clean and peel and throw them in a food processor along with avocado and seasonings.

Step 2

Pulse the ingredients a few times until finely chopped, then add the egg and tomato paste, pulse another few times until incorporated.

Step 3

Then add the ground chicken and mix by hand or with a spatula. Don't mix in the food processor it will make the texture very wet and will be harder to handle.

Step 4

If you can't find pre-made ground chicken, use your food processor to finely ground some chicken breasts. If you can, add some thigh meat as well for a more round flavor.

Step 5

Use a small cookie or ice cream scoop to evenly portion out the meatballs. Place one by one in a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or if you have mini muffin pan, use that, it will help keep the shape better.To help with stickiness when rolling: lightly dampen hands with some oil.

Step 6

Place in a 400-degree F oven and bake for 20 minutes until slightly golden browned. They usually have a lighter color than those made with red meat. You can turn the broil function for the last minute or two of baking for a more golden surface.Baking the meatballs is easier, healthier and mess free. But you can also fry them if you like.

Step 7

Keep everything the same, you just need to replace the egg with parmesan cheese and add some bread crumbs (or flour) in order to absorb the extra moisture. Add them at the end with the meat and mix by hand.For the grain free / gluten free version opt for a nut/ seed flour or arrowroot flour.