Harissa Chicken Meatballs

"Harissa Chicken Meatballs" lands at 22g of protein for 290 calories a serving, which makes it an easy way to hit a protein target on Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound without overeating. It leans pungent, so save it for a day your stomach is settled rather than right after an injection.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup frozen riced cauliflower
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup packed chopped parsley
• 3 large peeled garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 large egg
• Olive-oil cooking spray
• 2 jars (10 oz each prepared mild harissa sauce (I love Mina Harissa))

Method

1. 1Put the ground chicken in a large bowl and loosen it up a little, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and the smoked paprika.
2. 2Add the frozen cauliflower, parsley, onion, garlic and egg, mixing only until combined — don't overwork it. Portion into 16 (about 1 1/4 oz each) and roll gently into balls.
3. 3Set a sturdy nonstick skillet with high sides over medium-high heat.
4. 4Coat with olive oil spray, add the meatballs, and brown on all sides, turning now and then, about 6 minutes.
5. 5Pour in the harissa, bring to a simmer, then drop the heat to medium-low and let it bubble gently for 20–25 minutes.

Tips for GLP-1 appetites

• Not the gentlest option on a rough stomach day — better suited to when appetite and digestion feel normal.
• Go lighter on the strong aromatics (garlic, onion, spice rub) if smells are a trigger right now.
• At 22g of protein a serving, this alone gets you a meaningful chunk of the way to a daily 80–120g protein target.