Comforting Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce
If you’re searching for a delicious and comforting meal that can quickly shine at your dinner table, you’ve stumbled upon a real gem: Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce! This recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about bringing warmth, comfort, and love to your kitchen, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you’re just looking to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce
Let’s face it—life can get hectic. Between juggling work, family, and everything in between, sometimes the last thing on your mind is what to cook for dinner. That’s where these delightful chicken meatballs come into play, effortlessly combining flavorful ingredients into a creamy hug of a sauce. It’s hearty but not heavy, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight rotation or a cozy dinner with friends.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you dive into the cooking, here’s what you’ll need for these scrumptious chicken meatballs:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Now that you’ve got your lineup of ingredients, let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get the Meatballs Rolling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—mixing too much can make them tough, and nobody wants that!
Form Your Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or parchment paper as you go. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—bonus points for character!
Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add your meatballs in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and cook until golden brown on all sides – about 5-7 minutes. Don’t stress if they fall apart a little; we’ll make them comfy in sauce later.
Make the Cream Sauce: After browning the meatballs, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened (around 3-5 minutes). Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken.
Bring It All Together: Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over each one. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and warmed. The aroma will make you feel like a kitchen wizard!
Serve It Up: Garnish with fresh parsley, and voilà! You’ve crafted a magnificent dish. Serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own for a comforting meal.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs
- Don’t Skimp on Flavor: Feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a kick!
- Browning Matters: The golden crust from browning adds depth of flavor, so don’t rush it.
- Think Ahead: If you double the batch, freeze half before cooking; then, on a busy day, just pop them into the sauce straight from the freezer!
A Little Personal Touch
I remember the first time I made these chicken meatballs for my family. My kids were skeptical—“Mom, chicken meatballs?” But by the end of dinner, they were asking for seconds! Now, it’s a staple in our household, and I bet it’ll find a cozy spot in yours too.
FAQs
- Can I substitute ground turkey for chicken? Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will yield similar results.
- How can I store leftovers? Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- What can I serve with this dish? This creamy delight pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even roasted vegetables.
With these Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce, your dinner woes are officially over. They’re simple, delicious, and will bring smiles around your table—what more could you ask for? Grab your apron, gather your loved ones, and let’s make some memories together!
For a lighter twist, check out my Lightened-Up Chicken Alfredo or add a side of vibrant greens with my Garlic Lemon Spinach to balance things out!
Meta Description: Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce is the perfect recipe for a comforting meal. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!
Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a plate or parchment paper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, carefully add your meatballs in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides – about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened (around 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over each one. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and warmed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over pasta, rice, or on their own.