Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a cozy, comforting dish that combines tender, juicy chicken meatballs with a rich mushroom cream sauce. I love how this recipe brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both homey and elegant. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to serve for guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these meatballs turn out moist and flavorful every time. The creamy mushroom sauce is full of earthy depth and coats the meatballs perfectly. It’s an easy dish to make in one pan, and I can serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even crusty bread. It’s also lighter than traditional beef-based meatballs, thanks to the ground chicken.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the meatballs:

• Ground chicken

• Breadcrumbs

• Egg

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, finely grated or minced

• Parmesan cheese (optional)

• Salt and black pepper

• Parsley, chopped

For the creamy mushroom sauce:

• Olive oil or butter

• Mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)

• Garlic, minced

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. I start by mixing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan (if using), salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl until just combined.

2. I shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter.

3. I heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 8–10 minutes). I remove them from the skillet and set aside.

4. In the same pan, I add a little more oil if needed and sauté the mushrooms until they release their moisture and start to brown.

5. I add garlic and cook for another minute, then pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.

6. I stir in the cream and Dijon mustard, then simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. I return the meatballs to the pan and spoon the sauce over them, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes.

8. I garnish with chopped parsley or thyme before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 20 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time, for a total of 45 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add spinach or kale to the sauce for extra greens. For a dairy-free version, I swap the cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream. If I want more of a tangy flavor, I stir in a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice. I also love serving it with zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb meal.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the meatballs and sauce gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. They also reheat well in the microwave, in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes until cooked through, then add them to the sauce.

What kind of mushrooms work best?

I usually use cremini or button mushrooms, but shiitake or a mix of wild mushrooms also work beautifully.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, store them in the fridge, and reheat everything together before serving.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, I freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. I thaw and reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

I like serving it over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or even buttered noodles. Crusty bread works great too for soaking up the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a comforting, flavorful dish that I can always count on for a satisfying meal. With juicy chicken meatballs and a silky mushroom sauce, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent without being heavy. Whether I’m feeding the family or just treating myself, this dish always brings warmth and comfort to the table.

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