Indulge in a culinary delight with our Creamy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs recipe! Bursting with flavor and coated in a luscious creamy sauce, these tender chicken meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Join us as we guide you through the steps to creating this savory sensation that will leave everyone craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Making the Chicken Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Making the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and all-purpose flour until smooth. Gradually add the cream mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly.
- Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Add Meatballs: Gently add the baked chicken meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs before serving.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Browning Meatballs: For extra flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking them in the oven.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace ground chicken with plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken? A: Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey for ground chicken in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs? A: Absolutely! Once cooked, allow the meatballs to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet or microwave.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream? A: While you can use low-fat cream, keep in mind that it may not thicken the sauce as much or provide the same richness as heavy cream.
Q: What can I serve with these meatballs? A: These creamy Parmesan chicken meatballs pair well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. You can also serve them over mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Almond Flour: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour to keep the recipe low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Coconut Cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free keto option.
Low-Carb Version:
- Zucchini Noodles: Serve the creamy Parmesan chicken meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
- Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce the carb content of the sauce while still maintaining creaminess.
In conclusion, our Creamy Parmesan Chicken Meatballs recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken meatballs smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a comforting meal, these meatballs are a must-try. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of culinary bliss with this irresistible recipe!
