Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen one chilly evening, the scent of garlic wafting through the air took me straight back to cozy gatherings with friends. That’s when I decided to whip up some Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce, a weeknight wonder that never fails to impress. Juicy meatballs, bursting with flavorful garlic and cheesy goodness, are enveloped in a creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish not only brings comfort but also offers a simple solution for dinner prep. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week ahead, these meatballs are bound to become a favorite. Ready to take your taste buds on a creamy adventure? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe together! Why Are These Meatballs So Irresistible? Tender, Flavorful Meatballs: These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are juicy and packed with a delicious blend of garlic and Parmesan, satisfying even the pickiest eaters in the family. Creamy Comfort Sauce: The rich, garlicky cream sauce elevates the dish, making it the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. Quick Weeknight Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a glorious answer to your busy evenings. Versatile Dish: Serve them with buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad—this meal adapts to whatever you’re craving. For a refreshing twist, pair it with our delightful Hawaiian Chicken Salad. Meal Prep Friendly: Easily make these meatballs ahead of time, ensuring delicious meals are just a quick reheat away. Enjoy the comfort and flavor throughout your busy week! Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Ingredients For the Meatballs • Ground Chicken – Provides lean protein for the meatballs; substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option. • Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory, cheesy flavor; fresh Parmesan is recommended for the best taste. • Bread Crumbs – Binds the meatballs and gives them a pleasant texture; use gluten-free bread crumbs for a gluten-sensitive version. • Chopped Fresh Parsley – Provides freshness and color; you can add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an herbal twist. • Minced Garlic – A key aromatic that deepens the garlicky essence of the dish. • Egg – Acts as a binder to help maintain the shape of the meatballs. • Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that elevate the overall flavor. • Olive Oil – Used for browning the meatballs, contributing to a rich flavor. For the Cream Sauce • Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious, creamy sauce; substitute with half-and-half or a yogurt-milk mixture for a lighter option. • Chicken Broth – Enhances the sauce flavor; low-sodium broth is a great way to control salt levels. • Garlic Powder – Adds additional depth of garlic flavor to the sauce. For Garnish • Chopped Parsley (for garnish) – Enhances presentation and adds a pop of color. With these Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious comfort meal but also have the flexibility of healthy options to fit your dietary needs! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, one egg, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. This creates the flavorful base for your Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs. Step 2: Shape the Meatballs With clean hands, scoop out the mixture and form it into 1-inch balls, aiming for about 18-20 meatballs in total. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy transfer later. Take a moment to enjoy the delightful aroma of the garlic and herbs; your meatballs are already shaping up to be a winner! Step 3: Brown the Meatballs In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, allowing them to brown for 5-6 minutes on all sides, until golden and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside, letting the skillet retain all those lovely flavors. Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce In the same skillet, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir the mixture gently, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while the cheese melts into a rich, creamy blend that will envelop your Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs perfectly. Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This step allows the meatballs to soak up the rich flavors of the sauce while remaining juicy and tender—this is where the magic happens! Step 6: Garnish and Serve Once the meatballs are cooked through, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve your Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs over buttered pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even on their own for a comforting meal. The luscious sauce is simply begging for something to soak it up, making every bite utterly delicious! Expert Tips for Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs • Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender and prevent a dense texture. • Crowd Control: Brown the meatballs in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. This ensures they cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden crust. • Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. • Homemade Sauce Joy: Consider making the cream sauce in advance. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. • Leftover Love: Store leftover Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for future cozy meals without the hassle. Make Ahead Options These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the creamy sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days; simply refrigerate it in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, just simmer the prepped meatballs in the sauce on low heat for about 8-10 minutes until they are heated through. This way, you’ll enjoy a comforting, delicious meal with minimal effort, perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners! Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Variations Feel free to make this recipe your own by trying out these enticing twists and swaps that promise to delight your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version. The richness remains without sacrificing flavor! Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers in place of regular breadcrumbs to make these meatballs suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. Your loved ones won’t even notice the difference! Herb-Infused: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano in the meatball mixture for an aromatic twist. The fragrant herb additions infuse each bite with delightful flavors that brighten the dish. Spice It Up: Incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the cream sauce to add heat. This twist creates an exciting kick that adds depth to your comforting meal. Pasta Pairing: Instead of serving over traditional buttered pasta, try whole grain or lentil-based pasta for a heartier texture. It enhances both nutrition and flavor! Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meatball mixture for an extra serving of vegetables. This not only ups the nutrition but adds moisture and flavor to every bite. For more delicious ideas, consider pairing these meatballs with a refreshing Chicken Bacon Ranch for a perfectly balanced meal, or dive into a comforting dish like Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas for a fun twist on flavor! Flavorful Sauces: Experiment by swapping the cream sauce for a homemade marinara or pesto. Each variation brings a unique experience, transforming the entire dish! With these variations, your Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs will shine in endless ways, satisfying cravings and sparking joy at the dinner table! How to Store and Freeze Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Fridge: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the sauce is included to keep them moist and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs without sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy your frozen Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in a freshly made cream sauce over low heat until warmed through. Reheating: Gently heat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, to retain their delicious texture and flavor. What to Serve with Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce Elevate your mealtime experience by pairing these delightful meatballs with complementary sides that enhance their creamy, savory goodness. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture will soak up the rich sauce beautifully, creating a comforting combination. Butter Noodles: Simple yet satisfying, they serve as the perfect base to carry the flavorful sauce and meatballs, making every bite delightful. Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy meatballs, balancing flavors and textures beautifully. Garlic Bread: With its crispy exterior and soft, buttery center, garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every drop of that scrumptious cream sauce. Steamed Broccoli: This bright green veggie adds a fresh element, enhancing the meal’s nutrition and colorful presentation. Indulge in these satisfying combinations and enjoy a cozy meal that warms both heart and soul. Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe? Absolutely! When selecting ingredients, opt for fresh and high-quality ground chicken, usually with a pink hue and no off smell. For the garlic, look for firm bulbs without any dark spots. Fresh parsley should be vibrant green, while Parmesan cheese is best when freshly grated for maximum flavor. How should I store leftovers? Very simply! Store any leftover Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are submerged in the creamy sauce to keep them moist and flavorful, which is key to enjoying them later! Can I freeze Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs? Certainly! To freeze these delicious meatballs, first cook them without the sauce. Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. What if my meatballs are too dry or fall apart? That’s a common concern! If your meatballs turn out dry, it could be due to overmixing or not enough moisture in the mix. For future batches, ensure you mix gently just until combined. If they fall apart, adding an extra egg or a splash of broth can help bind them better during cooking. Are there any dietary substitutions I should consider? Yes, definitely! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs. If you’re looking for dairy-free options, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a blend of non-dairy yogurt and almond milk. Additionally, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground chicken if preferred. How long do these meatballs last in the fridge after cooking? You can store the cooked Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and remember to reheat gently to enjoy their wonderful flavors just like when they were fresh! Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Comfort Sauce Delicious Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in a creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 meatballsCourse: ChickenCuisine: ItalianCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Meatball Ingredients1 lb Ground Chicken Can substitute with ground turkey.1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Fresh Parmesan recommended.1/2 cup Bread Crumbs Use gluten-free for gluten-sensitive version.1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Add herbs like basil or thyme if desired.4 cloves Minced Garlic1 large Egg Acts as a binder.1 tsp Salt1 tsp Black Pepper2 tbsp Olive Oil For browning the meatballs.Cream Sauce Ingredients1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half.1 cup Chicken Broth Low-sodium recommended.1 tsp Garlic PowderGarnish Ingredients1/4 cup Chopped Parsley For garnish. Equipment mixing bowlSkilletbaking sheet Method Meatball PreparationIn a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.Scoop the mixture and form into 1-inch balls, aiming for about 18-20 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet.Cooking the MeatballsIn a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, cooking for 5-6 minutes until golden.Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.Creating the Cream SauceIn the same skillet, pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and garlic powder. Stir gently and cook for 3-4 minutes.SimmeringReturn the meatballs to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.Garnishing and ServingSprinkle with chopped parsley and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or on their own. Nutrition Serving: 1meatballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 12gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 4mg NotesStore cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For freezing, place in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. 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