French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing rich flavors and hearty textures to your table. Perfect for appetizers or family dinners, these meatballs shine with the savory essence of onions and cheese. They are not only delicious but also easy to make, ensuring that they become a favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite is packed with the savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, over pasta, or in a sub for a complete meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can whip up these meatballs in no time!
• Healthy Option: Made with lean ground chicken, they provide a nutritious alternative without sacrificing taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a party or a family dinner, these meatballs will impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet
• Meatball scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
• Baking sheet: Lining it with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking while baking the meatballs.
• Large skillet: Using a large skillet helps in evenly cooking the onions and meatballs without overcrowding.

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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 breadcrumbs 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 Onion 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 prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients:
1. Add the ground chicken and mix in the Parmesan cheese.
2. Stir in almond meal (or breadcrumbs), fresh chopped parsley, chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using a 1½-inch scoop:
– Form meatballs from the mixture and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
– Bake for 15-20 minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Cook the Onions

While the meatballs are baking:
– In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
– Add sliced onions and cook until very soft and golden brown; this should take about 25 minutes. Stir often.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Broth

Once onions are ready:
– Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
– Then add beef broth along with fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing heat to simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 6: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

After both components are ready:
– Carefully add baked meatballs into the skillet with the sauce.
– Allow them to cook together for about 5 minutes. Finally, sprinkle cheese over the meatballs and cover until melted (approximately 3-5 minutes).

Serve warm garnished with fresh thyme! Enjoy your flavorful French Onion Chicken Meatballs!

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs can be served in various delightful ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or preparing appetizers for a party, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Appetizer Platter

• Serve the meatballs on a large platter with toothpicks for easy eating. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce for an extra kick.

Over Rice or Pasta

• Place the meatballs over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious broth. This makes for a hearty main dish that everyone will love.

With Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside warm, crusty bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the rich onion and broth sauce.

On a Sub Roll

• Create French onion chicken meatball subs by placing the meatballs in toasted sub rolls. Top with melted cheese for a gooey treat.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish your meatballs with additional fresh thyme or parsley before serving. This adds color and enhances the flavor presentation.

In a Salad

• Toss the meatballs onto a fresh salad for added protein. A light vinaigrette will complement the flavors well without overpowering them.

How to Perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your French Onion Chicken Meatballs, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Lean Ground Chicken – Opt for 93% lean ground chicken to ensure moist meatballs without excess fat.
• Fresh Herbs Matter – Use fresh thyme and parsley instead of dried ones for more vibrant flavors.
• Don’t Skip Browning the Onions – Take your time when caramelizing onions; this step adds depth to the overall dish.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on your meatballs while baking; remove them once they reach 165°F for optimal juiciness.
• Experiment with Cheese – Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for diverse flavors.
• Let Them Rest – Allow the cooked meatballs to rest before serving; this helps retain their juices.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your French Onion Chicken Meatballs can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that work well together.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting base that complements the savory meatballs.
2. Steamed Green Beans – Bright green beans add color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts contrasts beautifully with the sweet onion flavors.
4. Caesar Salad – A crisp Caesar salad provides crunch and tang, making it an excellent accompaniment to hearty meatballs.
5. Couscous Salad – Light couscous mixed with veggies offers a fluffy texture and absorbs any leftover sauce from the meatballs.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Tender grilled asparagus adds sophistication and pairs well with both flavors and textures.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes – The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes complements the savory elements of the dish wonderfully.
8. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutritious quinoa pilaf can serve as a hearty side that is also gluten-free, perfect for diverse diets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your meatballs can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, pepper, and fresh herbs for a flavor boost.
• Don’t overmix the ingredients: Mixing too much can make the meatballs tough. Combine just until everything is incorporated for tender meatballs.
• Be cautious of underbaking: Not cooking the meatballs long enough can result in unsafe food. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Avoid using low-quality broth: A flavorful broth enhances the dish. Opt for high-quality beef broth for richer taste and depth in your sauce.
• Don’t forget to let the cheese melt properly: Skipping this step means missing out on a delicious gooey texture. Cover the pan while melting for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow meatballs to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

French Onion Chicken Meatballs are savory chicken meatballs infused with flavors from onions, garlic, and cheese, typically served in a rich broth.

Can I customize my French Onion Chicken Meatballs?

Yes! You can add different herbs or spices based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with various cheeses as well.

How do I ensure my meatballs stay moist?

Using lean ground chicken combined with eggs and moisture-rich ingredients like onion will help keep them juicy and flavorful.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a substitute without compromising flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are not only hearty but also versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. They can be served as appetizers or as part of a main course. Feel free to customize them with your favorite herbs and spices for a unique twist that suits your palate!