French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these meatballs deliver on taste and satisfaction. Their rich onion flavor and cheesy goodness elevate your meal, bringing joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Experience: Each meatball bursts with flavors from the onions, garlic, and herbs, making your taste buds dance.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, this recipe is accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they fit various meal scenarios.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean chicken and fresh ingredients, they offer a healthier twist on traditional meatballs.
• Meal Prep Friendly: They store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare these delicious meatballs.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spills.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking and easy cleanup when lined with parchment paper.
• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and combining flavors effectively.

Ingredients

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are flavorful, hearty, and crazy delicious!

For the Meatballs

• 1 egg
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup almond meal for gluten-free version (or bread crumbs if preferred)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken

For the Onion Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Topping

• 4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese (see Note about cheeses below)
• 6 ounces shredded Havarti cheese (see Note about shredding the Havarti below)

How to Make French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, almond meal (or breadcrumbs), parsley, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatballs

Using a 1½-inch scoop:
– Form meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

While the meatballs are baking:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
– Add sliced onions and cook until very soft and golden brown (approximately 25 minutes), stirring often.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Broth

After onions are browned:
– Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
– Pour in beef broth along with thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 6: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Add baked meatballs to the skillet with sauce:
– Cook for about 5 minutes.
– Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover the pan until cheese melts (around 3-5 minutes).

Serve warm garnished with fresh thyme. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Chicken Meatballs!

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are delightful on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the meatballs and sauce.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serving these meatballs over fluffy white or brown rice absorbs the savory broth and makes for an easy, filling meal.

As Sliders

• Use small buns to create sliders, adding a slice of cheese and some caramelized onions for a fun twist at gatherings.

In a Salad

• Toss the meatballs atop mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a fresh and healthy option.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce; it’s perfect for dipping!

How to Perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs

To ensure your French Onion Chicken Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use lean ground chicken – Choose 93% lean ground chicken for moist meatballs without excess fat.
• Don’t skip the onions – Caramelizing onions adds depth of flavor; cook them slowly until golden brown.
• Mix gently – Combine your ingredients just until mixed to avoid tough meatballs; over-mixing can lead to density.
• Use fresh herbs – Fresh thyme enhances flavor beautifully; dried herbs may not provide the same punch.
• Monitor baking time – Bake until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Experiment with cheeses – Feel free to mix different cheeses for varied flavors; Gruyère and Havarti work well together.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Complement your French Onion Chicken Meatballs with these delicious side dishes that balance flavors and textures.

1. Garlic Bread – A classic choice that is perfect for soaking up sauce; simply toast slices with butter and garlic.
2. Steamed Green Beans – Bright green beans add color and crunch alongside the soft meatballs; season lightly with salt.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers adds sweetness and texture.
4. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.
5. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw offers a tangy bite that complements the savory flavors of the dish nicely.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes bring a touch of sweetness and are easy to prepare by baking until tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French Onion Chicken Meatballs can be simple, but certain missteps could lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Boldly skimping on seasoning: Not using enough salt or pepper can make your meatballs bland. Always taste your mixture before baking and adjust as needed.
• Boldly ignoring the onion caramelization: Rush the cooking of onions, and you’ll miss out on deep flavors. Cook them low and slow until golden brown for the best taste.
• Boldly overmixing the meatball mixture: Overworking the mixture can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined for a tender bite.
• Boldly undercooking the meatballs: Ensure your chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check accurately.
• Boldly skipping the cheese melt: Not covering the pan while melting cheese can leave it uneven. Cover for a few minutes to achieve that gooey, melted perfection.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow meatballs to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Onion Chicken Meatballs.

Can I use other meats for French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I customize my French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

Feel free to add spices like paprika or herbs such as oregano for extra flavor. You can also swap cheeses based on your preference.

What side dishes pair well with French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

These meatballs go great with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement their rich flavors.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use. Just reheat when ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them by adding different herbs or cheeses based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!