If you are looking for a comforting, cozy dish that’s packed with flavor and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious, creamy gravy create that perfect balance of savory and rich, while the hint of fresh parsley adds a refreshing brightness. This recipe offers a lighter twist on a classic Scandinavian favorite, without sacrificing any of the delicious comfort that makes Swedish meatballs so beloved. Once you make this dish, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe is how simple yet essential the ingredients are, ensuring that every bite bursts with flavor and just the right texture. Each ingredient plays its part—from the panko breadcrumbs that keep the meatballs tender to the beef broth and cream that build that irresistible, velvety sauce.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: Use for a light, airy texture that keeps meatballs from getting dense.
- ¼ cup milk: Helps soak the breadcrumbs so the meatballs stay juicy.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base for a healthier twist on traditional meatballs.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided: Adds a fresh, herbal note without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a subtle, warm garlic aroma that enhances flavor depth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Brings sweetness and gentle pungency to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to lift all the flavors harmoniously.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Needed both to brown the meatballs and to help create a luscious gravy.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: The secret to a thick, silky sauce that coats each meatball beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Provides rich umami depth to the gravy.
- ⅓ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, comforting finish.
How to Make Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
Start by combining the panko breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, then let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk completely. This step is critical for ensuring the meatballs stay moist and tender once cooked.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Add the ground chicken, egg, half of the chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the bowl with the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix everything gently until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so be kind to the mixture and your meatballs will thank you.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out the mixture and roll it into evenly sized balls. Placing them on a baking sheet will keep them neat and ready for cooking. Making uniform meatballs ensures they cook evenly, so aim for consistent sizes.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. This step locks in flavor and adds a lovely golden crust. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate so you can make the gravy in the same pan.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy
Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth. Stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. This gravy is the heart of the Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe and what makes it downright irresistible.
Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them gently into the creamy gravy. Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of additional broth will loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the meatballs just before serving. This simple touch adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce beautifully, completing this comfort classic to perfection.
How to Serve Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic choice, but feel free to add a few twists like a dollop of lingonberry jam or a grind of fresh black pepper. These little garnishes bring an authentic flair and some delightful pops of flavor that elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
Swedish meatballs just wouldn’t be the same without creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all that incredible gravy. For a veggie boost, steamed green beans or roasted carrots pair wonderfully, balancing the richness with some freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on toasted open-faced rye sandwiches topped with a smear of mustard or cranberry sauce for a Scandinavian-inspired lunch. Alternatively, nestle them over a bed of cauliflower mash for a low-carb option that still satisfies the soul.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover meatballs and gravy to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps preserve the flavors and keeps the texture just right for reheating.
Freezing
This Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Freeze meatballs and sauce separately or together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to maintain quality.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky and prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much. Microwaving works, but stove reheating gives the best texture and flavor revival.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this Swedish meatballs recipe?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you want a similar lean protein with a slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to watch cooking times as turkey can dry out more easily.
What can I do if I don’t have beef broth?
If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth works just fine and keeps things flavorful. For a vegetarian option, a rich vegetable broth will also do the trick, though the gravy will be a bit lighter in taste.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for their light and airy texture, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed. Just keep in mind that meatballs might be a bit denser with regular breadcrumbs.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and cook them later?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes the Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe perfect for busy days.
What should I serve with Swedish meatballs for a traditional touch?
Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. The sweet-tart jam is a unique flavor contrast that perfectly complements the savory meatballs and sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about a warm plate of these Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe meatballs swimming in rich, creamy gravy. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is comforting, flavorful, and undeniably delicious. Don’t wait to try this recipe—it might just become your new go-to comfort food that everyone will ask for time and time again!
Print
Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Swedish Meatballs recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic dish by using ground chicken. Tender, perfectly browned meatballs are simmered in a creamy, savory gravy made with beef broth and heavy cream. Served traditionally with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of lingonberry jam, this comforting meal is ideal for family dinners and brings a taste of Sweden to your table.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Gravy
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Soak breadcrumbs: Combine panko breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let them sit until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become saturated, about 5 minutes.
- Mix meatball ingredients: Add ground chicken, egg, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Form meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to portion the mixture for uniform meatballs. Roll each portion into balls and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
- Brown meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until nicely caramelized but not fully cooked through. Remove and transfer them to a plate.
- Make the gravy: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook briefly. Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer meatballs in gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little extra beef broth.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the dish with the remaining tablespoon of fresh parsley. Serve the chicken Swedish meatballs hot with traditional sides such as creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, accompanied by lingonberry jam.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- You can substitute cream with sour cream for a tangier gravy.
- Lingonberry jam is traditional but can be replaced with cranberry sauce if unavailable.
- Make sure the meatballs are browned well to develop flavor before simmering.
- This dish pairs well with steamed green beans or a simple salad for added freshness.
