Savory Mushroom Chicken Meatballs for Family Dinners

Welcome to a delicious and comforting experience with our Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe, designed specifically for family dinners. These savory meatballs are the perfect combination of earthy mushrooms and tender chicken, enhanced by a rich, creamy herb sauce. Not only are they irresistible in flavor, but they’re also simple to prepare, making them the perfect choice whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in by yourself. Imagine the incredible aroma wafting through your kitchen as the meatballs bake and the sauce simmers—what’s not to love?

This recipe showcases the versatility of chicken and mushrooms in a way that will delight even the pickiest of eaters. With a hint of garlic and fresh herbs, you’ll create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. And with a great balance of proteins and flavors, it’s also a dish that lends itself well to health-conscious diets without compromising on taste. Heartwarming and flavorful, these Mushroom Chicken Meatballs will surely become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe

• Flavorful Profile: This recipe combines the umami of mushrooms with the lightness of chicken.
• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep-time makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.
• Healthy Alternative: Utilizing lean ground chicken makes these meatballs a healthier choice compared to traditional beef meatballs.
• Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served over pasta, in sandwiches, or simply enjoyed with a side salad.
• Family Friendly: Even picky eaters will find them irresistible, especially paired with the creamy herb sauce!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delightful Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe, it’s vital to have your kitchen prepped for success. Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. You’ll need a large mixing bowl to combine your meatball ingredients and ensure everything is well incorporated. Also, having a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper will help keep the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup easier.

For cooking the meatballs, use a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron or non-stick, to achieve a good sear. An instant-read thermometer will be useful for checking that the meatballs have reached the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Finally, measure out ingredients accurately; pre-chopping the garlic and herbs ahead of time can save you valuable minutes during assembly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the meatballs will start cooking immediately once ready, sealing in flavors and moisture from the very beginning.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, finely chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, blend the ingredients until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together but not be overly sticky.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Gently place the formed meatballs onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded to allow for proper cooking.

Step 4: Sear in the Skillet

In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, carefully add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a wonderful texture and flavor through the Maillard reaction, making your meatballs more delicious!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Once seared, transfer the meatballs from the skillet back to the baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s an important step in ensuring that your chicken meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Step 6: Prepare the Herb Cream Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, use the same skillet to prepare the herb cream sauce. Combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, chopped thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will create a rich, velvety coating for your meatballs.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Once the meatballs have fully baked, transfer them to the skillet with the herb cream sauce. Gently spoon the sauce over the meatballs, allowing them to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps to infuse the meatballs with sauce flavors, making every bite delicious and moist.

Variations

• Protein: Swap ground chicken for turkey or lean beef for a different flavor profile. You can also try shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
• Vegetables: Add finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or basil, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Cooking Notes

• Ground chicken works best for this recipe, but you can replace it with ground turkey or pork if desired.
• Make sure to chop the mushrooms finely for even distribution throughout the meatballs.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, consider substituting half of the cream with low-fat Greek yogurt.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles to soak up the delightful sauce.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.

Tips

• For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming them into balls.
• Use an ice cream scoop for uniform meatballs, ensuring even cooking and presentation.
• Feel free to freeze leftover meatballs, they can be reheated for a quick meal later on!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
• Protein: 30 grams
• Sodium: 500 mg

FAQs

Can I use different meats for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with turkey, beef, or pork, depending on your preference.

How can I store leftovers?

Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, refrigerate them, and bake them when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat meatballs?

The best method is to reheat them on the stove in a skillet over low heat with a bit of sauce to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe is not just a delightful addition to your dinner table, it’s a culinary experience that everyone in your family will love. With a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, this dish is sure to appeal to everyone’s tastes. The creamy herb sauce complements the juicy meatballs perfectly, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and don’t forget to share your variations and experiences in the comments! Your culinary creations can inspire others to enjoy this tasty dish!

Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

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• Author: Alioui
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Heartwarming and flavorful, these Mushroom Chicken Meatballs will surely become a favorite in your home!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the meatballs will start cooking immediately once ready, sealing in flavors and moisture from the very beginning.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, finely chopped mushrooms, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Using your hands or a large spoon, blend the ingredients until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should hold together but not be overly sticky.
3. Using your hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking. Gently place the formed meatballs onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded to allow for proper cooking.
4. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, carefully add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds a wonderful texture and flavor through the Maillard reaction, making your meatballs more delicious!
5. Once seared, transfer the meatballs from the skillet back to the baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s an important step in ensuring that your chicken meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. While the meatballs are baking, use the same skillet to prepare the herb cream sauce. Combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, chopped thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will create a rich, velvety coating for your meatballs.
7. Once the meatballs have fully baked, transfer them to the skillet with the herb cream sauce. Gently spoon the sauce over the meatballs, allowing them to simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step helps to infuse the meatballs with sauce flavors, making every bite delicious and moist.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the meatball mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before forming them into balls.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Protein: 30 g