Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Clara quick dinners

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a cozy, comforting dish featuring juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, garlicky mushroom cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that tastes indulgent but is easy enough to make on a weeknight—and perfect for serving over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful chicken meatballs
• Silky mushroom cream sauce that’s rich but not too heavy
• Pairs well with a variety of sides
• Simple ingredients with elevated flavor
• Great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Meatballs:

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely diced
• Salt and black pepper
• Dried or fresh parsley
• Olive oil (for browning)

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• Olive oil or butter
• Mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Make the meatballs
   In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix just until combined. Form into 1½-inch balls.
2. Brown the meatballs
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the mushroom sauce
   In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté mushrooms until browned, about 68 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Add liquids
   Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Return meatballs to pan
   Add the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 1012 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened.
6. Finish and serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use turkey: Swap chicken for ground turkey
• Go dairy-free: Use coconut milk or a cashew-based cream instead of heavy cream and omit Parmesan
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Cheesy twist: Stir in more cheese for a thicker, cheesier sauce
• Extra veggies: Add spinach, kale, or peas to the sauce for more color and nutrition

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed
• Freezer: Freeze meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 1518 minutes before adding to the sauce.

What mushrooms are best?

Cremini or white button mushrooms work well, but shiitake or portobello are delicious upgrades.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk is best if substituting.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, cook and store meatballs and sauce separately or together. Reheat when ready.

What should I serve with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, pasta, rice, or crusty bread are all great choices.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your broth and cheese are gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer uncovered, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Do I need to cook the meatballs all the way before simmering?

No, just brown them—they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure your skillet is big enough or cook in batches.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes! Deglaze with a splash of white wine before adding the broth for added depth.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a warm and hearty dinner full of rich flavor and down-to-earth comfort. With tender, juicy meatballs and a luscious mushroom cream sauce, this dish is easy to make and always satisfying. It’s sure to become a favorite for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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