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
Scale
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
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- â…“ 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.
