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Chicken meatballs in a creamy vegetable sauce is a dish that combines comforting flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a touch of indulgence. This classic recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to serve for a special occasion. Juicy chicken meatballs are seasoned with a blend of spices and bound together with breadcrumbs and egg for a tender texture. They are then simmered in a rich sauce made with sour cream, vegetables, and warm spices like curry and coriander.

This dish exemplifies the beauty of homemade cooking. It’s hearty, full of nutrients, and adaptable to various tastes. Whether paired with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, it offers a satisfying and nourishing meal for the whole family.

Chicken meatballs have stood the test of time because of their simplicity and versatility. This particular recipe elevates the humble meatball by pairing it with a creamy sauce loaded with vibrant vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and onions. The result is a meal that feels both rustic and refined, with flavors that comfort and delight.

Let’s explore how to create this delightful dish step by step.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories (per serving): ~280 kcal

For the Meatballs:

Chicken mince: 500g

Onion: ½ medium, finely chopped
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Egg: 1

Breadcrumbs: 20g
Salt and pepper: To taste
Ground coriander: ⅓ tsp

For the Sauce:

Water: 300 ml
Sour cream: 170g
Onion: 1 medium, diced

Carrot: 1 medium, grated
Sweet bell pepper: ½, diced
All-purpose flour: 1 tbsp

Salt: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
Sugar: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
Black pepper: To taste

Curry powder: ⅓ tsp
Chicken seasoning: ½ tsp

Steps to Make Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Vegetable Sauce

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and ground coriander.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until well combined. This ensures the meatballs are evenly seasoned and hold their shape.
Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to shape the meatballs.

2. Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Wet your hands with water and form the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.

Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
Sear the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden crust. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Vegetable Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until translucent.

Add the grated carrot and diced bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften.
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. This will help thicken the sauce.
Gradually pour in the water while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Seasonings and Sour Cream

Stir in the sour cream, ensuring it blends smoothly with the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt, sugar, black pepper, curry powder, and chicken seasoning. Adjust the flavors to your preference.

5. Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Gently place the seared meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged.

Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the meatballs hot with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or fresh bread.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color and added flavor.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Chicken meatballs in creamy vegetable sauce is a timeless recipe because it embodies the essence of comfort food while remaining versatile and adaptable. Its appeal lies in its universal ingredients, simple preparation, and the balance of flavors and textures.

This dish bridges the gap between traditional and modern cuisine. The use of spices like curry and coriander adds a subtle warmth and complexity, making it suitable for contemporary palates. At the same time, the creamy, vegetable-rich sauce evokes the nostalgic flavors of home-cooked meals.

Whether for a quick family dinner or a celebratory feast, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 12g

Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 480mg
Vitamin A: 60% of the Daily Value (DV)

Vitamin C: 20% of the DV
Iron: 8% of the DV

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken mince with turkey, beef, or pork. Keep in mind that the flavor and fat content will vary.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
You can replace sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The meatballs and sauce can be prepared a day in advance. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles are excellent options. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables also complement the dish beautifully.

Tips for Making the Best Chicken Meatballs

Mix Gently: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make them dense. Combine just until everything is evenly distributed.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and bell peppers enhance the flavor of the dish.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the spices to your liking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the meatballs in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Low Heat for Simmering: Cooking the meatballs over low heat ensures they stay tender and soak up the flavors of the sauce.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Conclusion

Chicken meatballs in creamy vegetable sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s a testament to the power of simple, flavorful cooking. From the tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs to the velvety sauce bursting with the goodness of fresh vegetables, every element of this dish is crafted for maximum comfort and satisfaction.

This dish’s beauty lies in its versatility. It can be adapted to various dietary preferences, made ahead of time, or customized with additional spices and herbs. It’s a meal that brings families together, satisfies hunger, and warms the soul.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. Serve it at your next gathering or whip it up for a cozy family dinner—it’s bound to become a cherished favorite.