Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe. These tender meatballs, made from ground chicken and soaked panko breadcrumbs, are enveloped in a luscious, velvety gravy that perfectly balances savory and creamy flavors. It’s an effortless dish that brings together simple ingredients to create a truly heartwarming experience, perfect for family dinners or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe is how its simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a crucial role in building the right texture, flavor, and richness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These soak up moisture and help keep the meatballs wonderfully tender yet firm.
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture to the breadcrumbs, softening them so the meatballs stay juicy.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base, offering a lighter twist on traditional meatballs while still tender and flavorful.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided: Provides fresh, herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweet and aromatic touch.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without masking the ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle hint of warmth and spice.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Essential for browning the meatballs and creating the creamy gravy base.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Adds rich, savory flavor and moisture for the gravy.
- ⅓ cup heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce with a luscious creaminess that makes this dish so indulgent.
How to Make Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs
Start by combining the panko breadcrumbs with milk in a large bowl. Let them sit so the breadcrumbs fully absorb the milk, which will ensure the meatballs stay tender and moist without being dense. This small step makes a big difference in the final texture.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
To the soaked breadcrumbs, add ground chicken, egg, half of the chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Use a cookie scoop or your hands to portion out the mixture. Roll them into even-sized meatballs and place them neatly on a baking sheet, ready to be browned. Uniform size helps them cook evenly and look picture-perfect.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until they develop a golden crust. This locks in flavor and texture. Once browned, transfer them to a plate temporarily.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux, cooking just until it’s lightly golden to avoid a raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the gravy simmer gently until it thickens, then stir in the heavy cream for that rich, velvety finish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs in the Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Cover the pan and let everything simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
Step 7: Final Touches
Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal lift right before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also drizzle a little extra cream or a few cracked black peppercorns for an elegant finish. If you want to add a touch of brightness, a small spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side is a delightful traditional pairing that contrasts the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
These chicken meatballs in creamy gravy shine best alongside silky mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Both choices soak up the sauce wonderfully, making each bite satisfying and rich. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots adds a pop of color and fresh texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up a bit, serve these meatballs over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside fluffy cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist. For a casual gathering, consider skewering the meatballs for easy serving and dipping, turning this homey meal into a fun party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy into an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Arrange cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts also works well for a quick meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works nicely as a substitute and keeps the dish light, though chicken has a slightly milder flavor that partners beautifully with the creamy gravy.
Is it okay to use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, airier texture to the meatballs, which helps keep them less dense and more tender.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour alternative to thicken the gravy.
What can I serve if I don’t eat mashed potatoes or noodles?
Try serving the meatballs over steamed rice, quinoa, or creamy polenta for different textures and flavors that still complement the gravy beautifully.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
The entire process takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both quick and impressive.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe truly is a gem—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I warmly encourage you to give it a try and experience that perfect balance of tender meatballs and indulgent, creamy sauce that’s sure to become a beloved favorite on your dinner table.
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Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Swedish Meatballs recipe features tender, juicy ground chicken meatballs cooked in a rich and creamy beef broth gravy. The meatballs are browned on the stove and then simmered in a luscious sauce made from butter, flour, beef broth, and heavy cream, seasoned with garlic and onion powder for classic Swedish flavors. Perfectly complemented by mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and traditional lingonberry jam, this dish offers comforting and flavorful homestyle dining in about 50 minutes.
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: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are fully saturated and softened.
- Make Meatball Mixture: Add ground chicken, egg, 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape Meatballs: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out the mixture and roll it into meatballs. Arrange the meatballs neatly on a baking sheet to prepare for cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for a minute or two until it turns lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and simmer until the mixture thickens to a gravy consistency. 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 simmer on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little additional beef broth.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of fresh parsley over the meatballs and gravy. Serve hot alongside mashed potatoes or egg noodles and lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish experience.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth for a milder flavor.
- Lingonberry jam is traditional, but cranberry sauce works as an alternative.
- Prepare mashed potatoes or egg noodles as side dishes to complete the meal.
- Leftover meatballs keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
