French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are perfect for gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy night in. Packed with rich flavors and topped with gooey cheese, they bring a delightful twist to traditional meatballs. The combination of ground chicken, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs makes these meatballs irresistible. Enjoy them as an appetizer, main course, or even as a filling snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Delight: Each bite bursts with the savory goodness of French onion soup combined with juicy chicken.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer or over pasta for a hearty meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the comforting flavors of these meatballs.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted Gruyère and Havarti cheeses, they are a cheesy dream come true.

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Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything at hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: Helps combine all meatball ingredients evenly for consistent flavor.
• Baking sheet: Ensures that meatballs cook evenly while maintaining their shape.
• Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions and simmering the sauce without burning.

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 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: Mix Meatball Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, almond meal, parsley, chopped onion, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

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

Step 4: Cook the Onions

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

Step 5: Add Garlic

Once the onions are caramelized:
– Add minced garlic to the skillet.
– Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

Add to the skillet:
– Beef broth, fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Bring to a boil then reduce heat; simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

After baking:
– Add meatballs to the skillet with sauce.
– Cook for about 5 minutes more. Sprinkle cheese over meatballs; cover pan until melted (about 3-5 minutes). Serve warm garnished with fresh thyme.

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these meatballs will impress your guests and family alike.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the meatballs on toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
• Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like barbecue or a zesty aioli for added flavor.

Over Mashed Potatoes

• Place the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious beef broth sauce.
• Add a sprinkle of parsley for color and freshness.

In a Sub Sandwich

• Use hoagie rolls to create a hearty sandwich filled with meatballs and melted cheese.
• Top with sautéed onions and extra cheese for an indulgent treat.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the meatballs on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal option.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.

How to Perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Creating the perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality chicken make a significant difference in flavor.
• Don’t skip browning: Browning the onions adds depth; take your time when cooking them until golden.
• Keep meatball mixture moist: Ensure your mixture isn’t too dry by balancing chicken with enough egg and cheese.
• Bake evenly: Space meatballs evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Let them rest: Allow meatballs to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps retain juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Complement these French Onion Chicken Meatballs with delicious side dishes that enhance their flavor. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: A crusty loaf spread with garlic butter, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil and roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
3. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent base for meatballs.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli lightly steamed provides crunch and balances out the richness of the meatballs.
5. Crispy Salad: A fresh salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly pairs well with hearty meatballs.
6. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with Italian dressing can offer a refreshing contrast to warm meatballs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Chicken Meatballs, it’s important to sidestep some common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Overmixing the meat: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients just until incorporated.
• Skipping the cheese: The cheese adds flavor and moisture. Don’t forget to sprinkle Gruyère and Havarti for a rich taste.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in cooking. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results.
• Using low-quality broth: A good beef broth enhances flavor. Choose a quality brand or homemade broth for depth.
• Ignoring resting time: Letting meatballs rest after baking helps flavors meld. Allow them to sit for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Place cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat meatballs on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add meatballs to a skillet with a bit of broth, heat over medium until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

French Onion Chicken Meatballs are savory meatballs made with ground chicken, caramelized onions, and rich cheeses, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute other melting cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.

How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Simply use almond meal instead of breadcrumbs. This keeps your French Onion Chicken Meatballs gluten-free while maintaining flavor.

What can I serve with French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with different cheeses or herbs based on your preferences. Whether served as an appetizer or part of a hearty meal, they are sure to impress family and friends. Try this recipe today for a comforting dish that will satisfy everyone!