This dish combines juicy chicken meatballs with a rich and creamy honey mustard sauce, served alongside perfectly boiled potatoes. The chicken meatballs are packed with flavor, lightly seasoned with thyme, garlic, and onions, and fried until golden brown. The sauce, made with mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and chicken broth, adds a sweet and tangy richness that complements the meatballs perfectly. The boiled potatoes provide a simple, yet satisfying side to this hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
-
For the meatballs:
- 2 eggs
- 800 g minced chicken
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- Olive oil, for frying
-
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 200 ml chicken broth
-
For the potatoes:
- 4-5 potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Butter, for serving
- Parsley (optional), for garnish
Directions
-
Prepare the meatball mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the minced chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, thyme, salt, black pepper, finely chopped onions, and minced garlic. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated. -
Shape the meatballs:
Form small meatballs from the mixture using your hands. They should be about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them aside. -
Fry the meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate. -
Cook the potatoes:
While the meatballs are cooking, peel the potatoes and place them in a pot. Cover the potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Add salt to the water and cook the potatoes until they are soft, about 15-20 minutes. Once done, drain the water, and set the potatoes aside. -
Prepare the sauce:
In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of flour and stir well to make a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. Once thickened, add the mustard, mayonnaise, and honey, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Simmer the meatballs in the sauce:
When the sauce begins to boil, add the meatballs back into the pan. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat for 7-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce. -
Finish the potatoes:
While the meatballs are simmering, mash the boiled potatoes with a bit of butter. Season with salt to taste, and optionally garnish with parsley for added freshness. -
Serve:
Place the mashed potatoes on a plate and top with the honey mustard chicken meatballs. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
The Origins and Popularity of Meatballs
Meatballs are a beloved dish that can be found in many cultures around the world. The concept of ground meat formed into balls has existed for centuries, with variations seen in Italian, Swedish, Middle Eastern, and Asian cuisines. The Swedish meatball, for example, is famous for being served with lingonberry jam and gravy, while Italian meatballs are often made with beef or pork and served in marinara sauce. In the United States, meatballs became a popular dish thanks to the large immigrant populations from Italy and Sweden. Today, meatballs are enjoyed in many forms and can be made with various meats and flavorings, making them an incredibly versatile dish. This particular recipe uses minced chicken, making it lighter and healthier than traditional beef or pork meatballs, while still delivering a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines two crowd-pleasing elements—savory chicken meatballs and a rich, creamy sauce—served with hearty potatoes. The meatballs are tender, flavorful, and crispy on the outside, while the honey mustard sauce adds a sweet and tangy depth to the dish. The potatoes provide a satisfying side, soaking up the delicious sauce. This meal is both comforting and full of flavor, perfect for feeding the family or impressing guests at dinner. It’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Health Benefits of this Recipe
This dish offers several health benefits, especially when made with lean minced chicken. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps in muscle growth and repair. The potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy, while the addition of mustard and honey gives you a dose of antioxidants and essential nutrients. The sauce is made with simple ingredients, and using butter and olive oil in moderation keeps the dish flavorful while offering healthy fats. The dish is also customizable; you can add more vegetables to the sauce or use whole potatoes for extra fiber.
Serving Suggestions of Chicken Meatballs in Honey Mustard Sauce
These chicken meatballs pair perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes, but they can also be served with roasted vegetables, rice, or even a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. If you want to make it a more complete meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli. For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the meatballs or serve them with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips
- For a healthier version: You can use low-fat mayonnaise and mustard to reduce the calorie content.
- For added flavor: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the meatball mixture before cooking.
- Sauce consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Make-ahead option: You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the minced chicken for plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese-Topped Meatballs: Sprinkle some cheese on top of the meatballs before simmering in the sauce to make them extra cheesy.
Conclusion
Chicken meatballs in honey mustard sauce with mashed potatoes is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The combination of tender meatballs, a creamy tangy sauce, and soft potatoes makes for a well-rounded dish that everyone will love. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking them. You can also freeze the uncooked meatballs for later use. -
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can use ground turkey, beef, or even lamb as a substitute for chicken in this recipe. -
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it more heat. -
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, for a healthier alternative to frying.