Who can resist tender chicken meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce?
If you’re craving comfort food that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is for you! In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.
Whether you’re serving it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, creamy mushroom chicken meatballs are bound to be a hit.
Let’s dive into the irresistible details!
Ingredients Needed
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Meatballs
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs:
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Sear the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over al dente pasta for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Pair with fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Enjoy with steamed rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for balance.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Meatballs Every Time
- Choose the Right Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken with a bit of fat for juicier meatballs. Lean options can result in a drier texture.
- Keep the Mixture Moist: Add a splash of milk or use moist breadcrumbs to prevent dry meatballs.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the ingredients to ensure tender meatballs.
- Test for Seasoning: Fry a small piece of the mixture to taste before shaping all the meatballs.
- Use a Nonstick Skillet: This helps prevent the meatballs from sticking during searing.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream, and omit Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, beef, or pork for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or diced zucchini to the sauce for added nutrients.
FAQ’s
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and sear the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate them. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! Freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw and reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve.
Can I use other types of meat?
Definitely. Ground turkey, beef, or pork work well as substitutes for chicken.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs (30-Minutes)
Creamy mushroom chicken meatballs are the perfect fusion of hearty and indulgent flavors. This 30-minute recipe features juicy chicken meatballs cooked to perfection in a luscious mushroom sauce, making it ideal for any occasion.With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs:
- Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Sear the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
Sauté the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the seared meatballs to the skillet.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving.
- Pair with your favorite side dish and enjoy!