French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are a delightful blend of savory flavors and comforting textures, making them perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner. Whether served as appetizers or a main dish, these meatballs pack a punch of taste with every bite. Filled with rich onion and cheesy goodness, they are sure to impress your family and friends alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of onions, garlic, and cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up quickly, making meal prep a breeze.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer at parties or served with pasta for a hearty meal.
• Comfort Food Classic: The rich flavors remind you of comforting French onion soup in a fun meatball form.
• Gluten-Free Option: Easily modify the recipe with almond meal for a gluten-free alternative.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the following tools and equipment. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating these delicious meatballs.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients evenly for the meatballs.
• Skillet: A good skillet ensures that your onions caramelize perfectly and helps meld the flavors during cooking.
• Parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients:
– Ground chicken
– Parmesan cheese
– Almond meal (or breadcrumbs)
– Fresh chopped parsley
– Chopped onion
– Egg
– Minced garlic
– Salt and pepper

Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using a 1½-inch scoop, form meatballs from the mixture. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until they become very soft and golden brown—this should take about 25 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning.

Step 5: Add Garlic

Once the onions are ready, add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Pour in beef broth along with fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened—approximately five minutes.

Step 7: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Add your baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce. Cook together for about five minutes. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs and cover the pan to let it melt—this should take about three to five minutes. Serve warm garnished with fresh thyme.

Enjoy these delightful French Onion Chicken Meatballs at your next event or cozy night in!

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Serving French Onion Chicken Meatballs is all about enhancing their rich flavors and creating a delightful dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will impress your family and friends.

Serve with Toasted Bread

• Pair these meatballs with slices of toasted baguette or ciabatta for a crunchy contrast. It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, elevating both the presentation and flavor profile.

Create a Meatball Sub

• Place the meatballs in a sub roll, smother them with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly. This makes for a hearty sandwich option!

Accompany with Salad

• Serve alongside a light salad, such as arugula or mixed greens, to balance the richness of the meatballs while adding freshness.

Pair with Pasta

• Toss these meatballs with your favorite pasta and sauce for a comforting meal that combines familiar Italian flavors.

How to Perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Perfecting your French Onion Chicken Meatballs takes some practice, but following these tips can help ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use lean ground chicken: Opt for 93% lean ground chicken to keep your meatballs moist without an excess of fat.
• Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
• Chill before baking: Letting the formed meatballs chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference.
• Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if you want to switch up the flavor profile of the dish.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Complementing your French Onion Chicken Meatballs with side dishes enhances the overall meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich base that pairs well with savory meatballs.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs; it’s light yet satisfying.
4. Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with almonds introduce a crunchy texture alongside the soft meatballs.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm, cheesy meatballs.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with colorful veggies provides a nutritious side dish that complements the main course nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French Onion Chicken Meatballs can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to watch out for:

• Ignoring the meatball mixture: Make sure to mix all ingredients thoroughly. This ensures even flavor and texture throughout your meatballs.
• Overbaking the meatballs: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overcooking can make them dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Skipping the onion caramelization: Properly caramelizing the onions adds depth to the sauce. Take your time with this step for maximum flavor.
• Using low-fat ground chicken: Opt for 93% lean ground chicken to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. Leaner options may be too dry.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements, especially for spices and cheese. Too much or too little can alter the taste significantly.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

French Onion Chicken Meatballs are juicy chicken meatballs infused with flavors of caramelized onions and topped with melted cheese, creating a delicious comfort food dish.

How do I know when my meatballs are done?

Check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F using a food thermometer for safety and perfect texture.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can use almond meal instead of bread crumbs to make these French Onion Chicken Meatballs gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

What type of cheese works best?

Gruyère and Havarti cheese provide creamy meltiness. You can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar if desired.

Can I prepare French Onion Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare them ahead, store them in the fridge or freezer, and reheat when ready to serve. They make for an easy meal prep option!

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. Enjoy this comforting dish as an appetizer or main course at your next gathering!