This hearty dish of chicken meatballs served with creamy sauce and mashed potatoes is the epitome of comfort food. The tender chicken meatballs, flavored with garlic, cheese, and parsley, are pan-fried until golden brown, then simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with bell peppers, garlic, and chicken broth. Paired with smooth, buttery mashed potatoes, this meal is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. The combination of savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and fluffy mashed potatoes makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 700 g minced chicken
- 2 tsp breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 150 g cheese, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp butter (for frying onions)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parsley, chopped
- Vegetable oil (for frying meatballs)
For the Sauce:
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp flour
- 200 ml chicken broth
- 200 ml cream
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 700 g potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 50 g butter
- 150 ml warm milk
- Salt, to taste
Directions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine minced chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, grated cheese, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the chopped onion until golden brown. Once done, add the sautéed onions to the chicken mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs. To prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands, dip them in warm water while shaping the meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: 4. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. 5. Fry the meatballs on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. This will take about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, set the meatballs aside.
Make the Sauce: 6. In the same pan, sauté the chopped bell pepper until softened, about 3-4 minutes. 7. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. 8. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of flour over the vegetables and stir well to make a roux. 9. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Once smooth, pour in the cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. 10. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: 11. Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth and creamy. 12. Mix in 50 g of butter and 150 ml of warm milk, and season with salt to taste.
Serve: 13. Place a generous scoop of mashed potatoes on each plate. 14. Top with meatballs and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair this dish with a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a balanced meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement this dish perfectly.
- As a Comforting Dinner: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- For a Lightened-Up Version: Swap the cream for a lighter alternative, like Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream, and use mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Cooking Tips
- Avoid Overmixing the Meatballs: When mixing the meat for the meatballs, be careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Keep the Meatballs Moist: To keep the meatballs tender, add a bit of water or chicken broth to the mixture, if necessary.
- Sauté the Onions First: Sautéing the onions beforehand brings out their sweetness and deepens the flavor of the meatballs.
- Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, add a bit more flour or cook it for a few extra minutes until it reduces.
- Make Ahead: The meatball mixture can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to a day before frying.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, chicken is low in fat while being high in essential amino acids that support muscle growth and repair.
- Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and provides calcium, which is vital for bone health.
- Potatoes: A good source of carbohydrates, potatoes provide energy, along with fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C, bell peppers are excellent for boosting immunity and promoting skin health.
Dietary Information
- Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute for the sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese and substitute the cream with coconut cream or almond milk.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a comforting and indulgent meal that combines everything you love: creamy mashed potatoes, juicy chicken meatballs, and a flavorful, rich sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding the whole family. The combination of chicken and cheese in the meatballs provides a great balance of protein and flavor, while the sauce adds depth and creaminess. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress.
Conclusion
Chicken meatballs with creamy sauce and mashed potatoes are a versatile and hearty meal that will satisfy any appetite. The tender meatballs, rich sauce, and creamy potatoes make for a perfect combination of textures and flavors. This dish is both comforting and nutritious, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a meal you’ll return to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will provide a slightly lighter flavor. -
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry and simmer them in the sauce. -
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more flour or let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce. -
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you like, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda. -
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, the cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the sauce when ready to serve. -
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving. -
Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
Yes, you can add finely grated vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, to the meatball mixture for added nutrition. -
How do I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, you can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the meatballs or the sauce. -
Can I substitute the potatoes with something else?
Yes, you can use mashed cauliflower or sweet potatoes as a substitute for the mashed potatoes. -
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for the meatballs and substitute dairy ingredients with vegan alternatives.