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To make creamy garlic Parmesan chicken meatballs, you need: - 1 pound ground chicken - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce) - Fresh basil for garnish These ingredients come together to create a dish that is rich in flavor and easy to make. Using fresh herbs and garlic makes a big difference. I recommend: - Fresh parsley: It adds a bright flavor. - Fresh basil: Use it for garnish. It adds color and taste. - Fresh garlic: Minced garlic gives a strong, lovely taste. Fresh ingredients elevate your dish and enhance its aroma. If you need swaps, here are some good options: - Ground turkey instead of ground chicken: This keeps it light. - Almond flour instead of breadcrumbs: This is a gluten-free option. - Nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan: This adds a cheesy flavor for vegans. These substitutions allow you to enjoy the recipe while meeting dietary needs. To start, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, mix 1 pound of ground chicken with 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Crack in 1 large egg, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to combine all these ingredients well. Make sure everything is mixed evenly. This step is key for tasty meatballs. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm. While the oil heats, form the chicken mixture into meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. This gives them a nice crust. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir the mixture well, scraping the bottom of the pan. This helps pick up those tasty browned bits. Gradually whisk in an additional 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken. Finally, return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them, letting them simmer for another 5 minutes. This melds all the flavors together nicely. To keep your meatballs moist, use ground chicken with some fat. Lean meat can dry out. Adding breadcrumbs helps too. They soak up the moisture and make a nice texture. You can also mix in an egg, which helps bind and adds moisture. Don’t overmix your meatball mixture; this keeps them tender. To create a smooth sauce, start with a clean skillet. After cooking the meatballs, lower the heat and add heavy cream and chicken broth. Whisk them together well. If you see any brown bits, scrape them off the pan. This adds flavor. Gradually add the extra Parmesan cheese while whisking. This helps make your sauce creamy and smooth. Serve your meatballs over pasta or rice. The sauce coats them well. You can also pair them with garlic bread for a delicious meal. Fresh basil adds a nice touch on top. It brightens the dish and adds aroma. For a side, consider a fresh salad. It balances the creaminess with crunch and freshness. {{image_2}} You can swap the ground chicken for other meats. Try ground turkey for a leaner option. Ground beef works well too. Each protein adds its unique flavor. Just keep the cooking times the same. Make sure the meatballs reach an internal temp of 165°F for safety. If you want a meat-free version, use a mix of beans and grains. Chickpeas or lentils make great bases. Combine them with breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices. You can also use store-bought veggie meat alternatives. This keeps the texture and flavor similar to meatballs. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhance the taste. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms for a rich flavor. For a twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These additions create new layers of flavor and excitement. Store leftover creamy garlic Parmesan chicken meatballs in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the meatballs cool down before sealing the container. This helps keep them fresh. To freeze your meatballs, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about one hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep them moist. Cook until heated through, stirring gently. Enjoy the rich flavors again! You can check if chicken meatballs are cooked by cutting one in half. The meat should be white and not pink. You can also use a meat thermometer. The center should read 165°F. Cooking them for 4-5 minutes on each side usually gets them there. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can make the creamy sauce ahead of time. Just follow the steps to get it ready. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to serve, heat it gently on the stove. Add the meatballs and let them warm through. This keeps the sauce smooth and tasty. These meatballs pair well with many sides. You can serve them with pasta for a filling meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You might also enjoy them with rice or mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve with steamed veggies. Each choice adds its own flavor to the dish. In this blog post, we explored the best ingredients for chicken meatballs and a creamy sauce. You learned the steps to prepare moist meatballs and a smooth sauce. I shared tips to enhance flavor and variations for everyone. Proper storage and reheating tips help you enjoy leftovers. Remember, cooking is about exploring flavors. You can adjust recipes to fit your taste. Enjoy the process and have fun creating delicious meals!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs

Discover the ultimate recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs that will elevate your dinner game! This easy-to-follow recipe combines juicy chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare. Click to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with these delicious meatballs!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground chicken

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.

      Form the chicken mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet.

        Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

          In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits.

            Gradually whisk in the additional 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

              Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over them to coat. Allow to simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

                Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

                  Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh basil.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4