Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe

When it comes to comforting meals that are both indulgent and light, Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs hit the mark perfectly. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and infused with rich flavors, thanks to the combination of ground chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden brown before being bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce, making this dish irresistible and a family favorite.

This recipe offers a healthier take on traditional meatballs by using lean chicken instead of beef or pork, while still delivering on taste and texture. The creamy mushroom sauce elevates the dish, giving it an elegant yet comforting touch. Whether served over pasta, rice, or vegetables, these creamy mushroom chicken meatballs are versatile enough to be enjoyed in various ways.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Making the Chicken Meatballs

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and onion powder.
   • Mix everything together gently using your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense meatballs. Just mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

   - Advertisement -
   • Using your hands, take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should be able to make around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
   • Place the meatballs on a plate or baking sheet as you shape them.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan. It’s best to cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding.
   • Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 7-10 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (75°C).
   • Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 2: Preparing the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

   • In the same skillet where you cooked the meatballs, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat over medium heat until the butter is melted and the oil is hot.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

2. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become browned and tender.
   • If using a mix of mushrooms, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster, the flavor will become more complex, so feel free to experiment with different varieties.

3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional):

   • If using white wine, pour it into the pan at this point to deglaze. Stir to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, which will add extra flavor to the sauce.
   • Let the wine simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If you prefer not to use wine, you can skip this step and proceed to the next.

4. Add Broth and Cream:

   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   • Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken up.
   • Stir in the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, if using. These ingredients add depth and a subtle tang to the sauce, enhancing the flavor of the mushrooms.

5. Season the Sauce:

   • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and black pepper to your liking. You can also add fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.
   • Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over them to coat.

6. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce:

   • Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the meatballs to heat through.
   • If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Serving the Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

1. Plate the Dish:

   • Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
   • Serve the creamy mushroom chicken meatballs on a plate, spooning some of the rich mushroom sauce over the top.

2. Garnish:

   • Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add more grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness, if desired.
   • For a burst of freshness and flavor, consider adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on top.

3. Pairing:

   • This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti, to make it a complete meal.
   • You can also serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
   • A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or spinach, complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

1. Use Lean Ground Chicken:

   • Ground chicken can sometimes be a bit dry, so be sure not to overcook the meatballs. The breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and egg help keep the meatballs moist and tender. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can mix in some ground turkey or a little bit of ground pork.

2. Choose the Right Mushrooms:

   • While button mushrooms are a classic choice, consider mixing different mushroom varieties for a more complex flavor. Cremini, shiitake, or even wild mushrooms add depth and earthiness to the sauce.

3. Avoid Overmixing the Meatball Mixture:

   • When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the meat. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined, and use your hands to gently shape the meatballs.

4. Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time:

   • You can prepare the meatballs in advance by shaping them and refrigerating them until ready to cook. This can help the meatballs hold their shape better during cooking and save time on the day you plan to serve them.

5. Make It Dairy-Free:

   • To make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

6. Customize the Sauce:

   • For added richness, you can swap some of the chicken broth with more cream. If you want a slightly tangy sauce, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. You can also add a bit of grated nutmeg or a splash of balsamic vinegar for an interesting twist.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. The tender chicken meatballs, paired with the rich and velvety mushroom sauce, create a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or vegetables, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. By following the simple steps outlined here and adding your personal touch, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and homely, offering a perfect balance of savory and creamy goodness. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Print

When it comes to comforting meals that are both indulgent and light, Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs hit the mark perfectly. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and infused with rich flavors, thanks to the combination of ground chicken, savory mushrooms, and a luscious cream sauce. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden brown before being bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce, making this dish irresistible and a family favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
• For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced, any variety)
• 1/2 cup onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce

1. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the onions are translucent.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
4. Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken for another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Return Meatballs to Sauce: Gently place the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the creamy mushroom sauce. Spoon some sauce over the meatballs to coat.
2. Simmer: Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the sauce is creamy and thickened.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Meatballs: Serve the creamy mushroom chicken meatballs with the sauce spooned over the top.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy mushroom sauce.

Veggie Option: For added nutrition, consider adding spinach or peas to the sauce in the last few minutes of cooking.

Cheese Variation: If you prefer a stronger cheesy flavor, you can substitute the Parmesan with mozzarella or a mix of both!