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- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken - 1 cup cremini mushrooms, finely chopped - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients make up the heart of creamy mushroom chicken meatballs. You will find that ground chicken gives a light and tender texture. The cremini mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor that enhances the meatballs. Breadcrumbs provide structure, while Parmesan cheese adds a savory bite. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and offers a pop of color. Garlic and onion create a flavorful base that deepens in taste when sautéed. The spices, including salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika, round out the flavor and add depth. The olive oil is key for sautéing, while the heavy cream and chicken broth come together to create a luscious sauce. Finally, the lemon zest adds a fresh and zesty note that ties everything together. You can feel confident with this ingredient list. Each element plays a vital role in crafting a meal that feels gourmet yet remains simple to prepare. Enjoy the process of gathering your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that delights the senses! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Sautéing onions and garlic Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should become soft and translucent. 2. Cooking mushrooms Next, add the finely chopped cremini mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes. The mushrooms will release their moisture. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. 3. Combining ingredients In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Then, add the cooled mushroom mixture along with salt, black pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Gently mix until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat. 1. Preheating the oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the meatballs cook evenly and become golden. 2. Forming meatballs Take the chicken mixture and form it into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 3. Baking process Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They are ready when they are cooked through and slightly golden on the outside. 1. Combining broth and cream While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk them together and bring to a gentle simmer. 2. Seasoning the sauce Add salt and black pepper to the sauce. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Let the sauce thicken slightly for about 5 minutes. 3. Simmering instructions Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully add them to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce. - Avoiding overworking the mixture: When mixing your meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overworking makes them tough. Mix just until combined. This keeps them tender and juicy. - Achieving the right meatball size: Aim for meatballs about 1.5 inches wide. This size cooks evenly. If they are too big, they may not cook through. Use a cookie scoop for uniformity. - Adjusting seasoning: Taste your sauce as it simmers. Add salt and pepper carefully. You want a balance of flavors. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, too. - Thickening tips: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps it thicken naturally. You can also add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water for a quick fix. - Pairing with pasta or rice: These meatballs work great over pasta or rice. The creamy sauce clings to each bite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese adds color and flavor. A sprinkle of lemon zest on top gives a fresh touch that brightens the dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and mushrooms for the best flavor in your meatballs and sauce. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until combined to keep them tender and avoid a dense texture. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, such as oregano or basil, to customize the flavor of the meatballs. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this recipe for a new taste. Ground turkey works well. It gives a light flavor while staying juicy. You can also use ground beef. This makes the meatballs richer and heartier. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or chickpeas. These options provide a good texture. You can also mash tofu with spices for a plant-based meatball. Adding herbs and spices can boost flavor. Try fresh basil or thyme. They add a nice aroma. You can also use Italian seasoning for a classic touch. Different cheeses can change the taste. Instead of Parmesan, use feta or mozzarella. Each cheese brings a unique flavor to your dish. You can switch the sauce ingredients for variety. Adding white wine gives a nice depth of flavor. It pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also mix in Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. For a lighter version, use low-fat cream or yogurt. This keeps the dish creamy but cuts calories. You can also add more broth to thin the sauce. This keeps it flavorful without being heavy. To keep your creamy mushroom chicken meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for about three to four days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay good for up to three months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you can use a microwave or oven. For the microwave, place the meatballs in a bowl. Cover them with a damp paper towel. Heat them in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time, until warm. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. To keep the creaminess, add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating. You can make these meatballs ahead of time. Prepare them as instructed, then let them cool. Store them in the fridge for a quick meal later. If you want to freeze them, shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for a few hours, then transfer them to a bag. This way, you can grab just what you need. You can cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. You can check the internal temperature of your meatballs with a meat thermometer. The safe temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball. If it reads 165°F or higher, your meatballs are ready. If not, bake them a little longer. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Both options work well. Just make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. Several sides go well with these meatballs. Here are some tasty options: - Pasta: A light spaghetti or fettuccine complements the creaminess. - Rice: White or brown rice soaks up the sauce nicely. - Salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. - Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. These sides will enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. In this blog post, we explored a tasty recipe for creamy mushroom chicken meatballs. We covered key ingredients, how to prepare and bake the meatballs, and make the sauce. I also shared tips to perfect your dish and offered variations for different tastes. Lastly, we discussed storage and meal prep tips to save time. Now, I hope you feel ready to try this recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy the cooking process and impress your friends and family!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

Delicious chicken meatballs with a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 zest of lemon

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until they release their moisture. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, cooled mushroom mixture, salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Form the chicken mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and slightly golden.
  • While the meatballs are baking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chicken broth and heavy cream. Whisk and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and let it thicken slightly (about 5 minutes).
  • Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and gently add them to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for 3-4 minutes to soak up the flavors.
  • Serve the meatballs warm, drizzled with creamy sauce over a bed of pasta, rice, or on their own with a side salad.

Notes

Serve with pasta, rice, or a side salad.
Keyword chicken, creamy, meatballs, mushrooms