If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and downright delicious, this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken meatballs gently simmered in a creamy, savory gravy make every bite melt-in-your-mouth perfect. It’s a lighter twist on a classic favorite that does not skimp on flavor or warmth, ideal for family dinners or impressing guests with a homemade Scandinavian-inspired treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are beautifully simple yet essential to creating the perfectly balanced taste and texture that make this chicken Swedish meatballs recipe stand out. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the crisp breadcrumb coating, the creamy sauce, or the burst of freshness from parsley.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a light, airy texture that keeps the meatballs tender instead of dense.
- Milk: Soaks the breadcrumbs for moisture and tenderness.
- Ground chicken: The lean and flavorful foundation for the meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bright, fresh pop of flavor and color.
- Garlic powder: Offers subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory layers of the meat mixture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Butter: Used for browning the meatballs and building the rich gravy.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to luscious perfection.
- Beef broth: Deepens the flavor of the sauce, adding savory richness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the gravy luxuriously creamy and smooth.
How to Make Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs
Start by combining the panko breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl and let them sit until the breadcrumbs soak up all the milk. This step is crucial—it ensures the meatballs stay moist and tender inside rather than dry or crumbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
To the soaked breadcrumbs, add the ground chicken, egg, half of the chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix just until all ingredients come together. Be careful not to overmix, which could make the meatballs tough.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into equally sized meatballs. Roll each portion gently between your hands to form smooth balls, then place them on a baking sheet ready for cooking.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt one tablespoon of butter and add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust — this step locks in juices and creates wonderful flavor from caramelization.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy
Remove the meatballs from the pan and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Whisk in the flour to form a paste, then slowly whisk in the beef broth. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Stir in the heavy cream and season with a bit of salt and pepper, tasting to get the flavor just right.
Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. If the gravy becomes too thick, a splash of broth will loosen it up beautifully.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the meatballs for a fresh, vibrant touch. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed with your favorite sides, instantly transforming any meal into something special.
How to Serve Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice to add a burst of color and a gentle herbal note that balances the creamy sauce beautifully. If you want to elevate things, a small dollop of lingonberry jam on the side adds a lovely sweet-tart contrast that’s traditionally Swedish and totally irresistible.
Side Dishes
These chicken Swedish meatballs pair perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles that soak up every bit of the velvety gravy. Steamed green beans or sautéed mushrooms are also fantastic to introduce some green and earthy flavors to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style meals, present the meatballs in a large shallow dish with the gravy draped over them, inviting everyone to dig in. For a more elegant take, serve individual portions atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted root vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs for that gorgeous, restaurant-worthy finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover meatballs and gravy separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the meatballs from becoming soggy and lets you reheat each component perfectly the next day for an easy, delicious meal.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs either in the gravy or separately. Lay the meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to freezer bags for best results. The gravy can be frozen in airtight containers as well, allowing convenient weekday dinners whenever you need them.
Reheating
Reheat meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Microwave reheating works too, but go slow and cover loosely to avoid drying out your tender chicken meatballs and creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield similar results, keeping your meatballs moist and flavorful while maintaining that light protein profile.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the meatballs?
While this recipe centers on meat, you can experiment with plant-based ground options or hearty mushrooms mixed with panko and seasonings to mimic the texture and flavor of Swedish meatballs.
What can I use if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth work as wonderful alternatives. Just keep in mind that beef broth lends a richer, deeper flavor that really complements the creamy sauce in this recipe.
How do I make sure the meatballs are cooked through?
Simmering the meatballs in the sauce after browning ensures they cook evenly. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees they’re safe and juicy.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative for a luscious, dairy-free gravy that still has that rich texture perfect for this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and satisfying about this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe that makes it a true kitchen hero. The creamy sauce, tender meatballs, and simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making it a perfect weeknight meal or special occasion delight. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one you reach for again and again — so go ahead, treat yourself and enjoy every bite!
Print
Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Chicken Swedish Meatballs recipe features tender, flavorful ground chicken meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy beef gravy. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powder and fresh parsley, these meatballs are browned in butter and finished in a luscious sauce, making a comforting and elegant dish served best with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of lingonberry jam.
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
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- â…“ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become fully saturated.
- Make Meatball Mixture: Add the ground chicken, egg, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined to maintain tenderness.
- Shape Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on a baking sheet ready for cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until they develop a golden crust, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Then stir in the heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with a little additional beef broth as needed.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley over the meatballs. Serve the chicken Swedish meatballs hot, ideally accompanied by mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional touch.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh parsley and freshly ground black pepper.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth if preferred, but beef broth gives a richer flavor.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used but will alter texture slightly.
- Lingonberry jam adds a classic Swedish sweetness and tartness that complements the savory meatballs perfectly.
- Leftover gravy can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
