Chicken Meatballs: The Ultimate Chicken Meatballs with French Onion Sauce Recipe
Introduction to Chicken Meatballs
Welcome to a delightful culinary experience that combines the tender juiciness of chicken meatballs with the rich, savory flavor of French onion sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding!
A Personal Story Behind My Chicken Meatballs Journey
Growing up, my family enjoyed cozy dinners filled with laughter and delicious food. One of our favorites was chicken meatballs, often served with a variety of sauces. This particular recipe was inspired by my grandmother, who always took the time to make her dishes special. The addition of French onion sauce brings a nostalgic taste that reminds me of those cherished family gatherings. I hope this recipe brings the same warmth and joy to your home!
What Makes This Chicken Meatballs Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its unique combination of flavors and textures. The chicken meatballs are moist and packed with gruyere cheese, which adds a delightful creaminess. The French onion sauce, with its caramelized onions and rich beef broth, elevates the dish to new heights. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that can be served over pasta, rice, or even on its own with a side salad. Perfect for any occasion!
The Full Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (such as Panko)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, gruyere cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined. Shape the mixture into 15 meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden and fully cooked. Tip: For best results, ensure that the meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Make the French Onion Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter along with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and golden, stirring occasionally for about 25 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its flavor. Pour in the beef broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for another 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Tip: For a deeper flavor, allow the onions to caramelize for a longer time.
- Combine the dish: Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the French onion sauce and sprinkle the remaining gruyere cheese on top. Cover the skillet and cook until the meatballs are heated through and the cheese has melted, approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is lightly golden. Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme. Tip: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Chicken Meatballs
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a bed of sautéed greens. For a lighter option, you can serve the meatballs with a simple side salad. If you want to get creative, try adding different herbs to the meatball mixture or incorporating vegetables like finely grated zucchini for added moisture and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Meatballs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe.
How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze the meatballs? Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.
Chicken Meatballs with French Onion Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 0.5 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (such as Panko)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
French Onion Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
- 2 cups gruyere cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, gruyere cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into 15 meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for approx. 25 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add sliced onions and cook until soft and golden, about 25 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in beef broth, add thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until slightly thickened for another 10 minutes.
- Add cooked meatballs to the skillet and sprinkle with gruyere cheese. Cover and cook until meatballs are heated through and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Optionally, broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is golden. Serve warm, garnished with thyme.