Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a comforting, savory dish featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich mushroom cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe combines lean protein with earthy mushrooms and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground chicken
breadcrumbs
parmesan cheese
egg
garlic (minced)
onion (finely chopped)
salt
black pepper
olive oil
butter
mushrooms (sliced, such as cremini or button)
chicken broth
heavy cream
fresh thyme or parsley (optional for garnish)
directions
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper until just combined.
Form into small meatballs using damp hands.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced mushrooms. Sauté until browned and tender.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
Mix in spinach or kale for extra greens.
Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a hearty meal.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
To freeze, allow meatballs and sauce to cool, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. For richness, consider adding a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream alternatives and omit the parmesan or use a plant-based version.
What mushrooms work best?
Cremini, white button, or baby bella mushrooms are ideal for their flavor and texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, make the meatballs and sauce ahead, store separately, then reheat together before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are a flavorful, satisfying dish that delivers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or something special for guests, this recipe’s combination of tender meatballs and silky mushroom sauce is sure to impress.
PrintCreamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot/One Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These creamy mushroom chicken meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a rich mushroom sauce. It’s a comforting one-pan dinner that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
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1 lb ground chicken
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1/3 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup finely chopped onion
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
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Scoop out 1 to 1.5 tablespoon portions and roll into balls.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and soft.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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Lower the heat and stir in the cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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You can swap ground chicken for turkey if preferred.
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Use cremini or white button mushrooms for best flavor.
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Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
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