If you’re craving a cozy, comfort food classic with a lighter twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s rich yet perfectly balanced. This dish strikes that perfect harmony between hearty and comforting, with just the right kick from fragrant herbs and spices. Whether for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this recipe brings that warm, satisfying feeling straight to your table, making it an instant favorite you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before jumping in, it’s amazing how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something so flavorful and comforting. Each component plays its part—panko breadcrumbs add lightness, fresh parsley brings brightness, and that creamy gravy pulls everything together with a silky finish.
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a light, airy texture and help keep them tender.
- ¼ cup milk: Used to soak the breadcrumbs, ensuring the meatballs stay juicy and soft.
- 1 pound ground chicken: The lean protein base that keeps the meatballs light but flavorful.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold all the meatball ingredients together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided: Adds fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle, aromatic depth to the meat mixture.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the natural flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and a balanced bite.
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided: Used for browning the meatballs and creating that decadent gravy.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: The secret to thickening the gravy into a perfect creamy sauce.
- 1 ½ cups beef broth: Provides savory richness to the gravy base.
- â…“ cup heavy cream: Makes the gravy irresistibly silky and indulgent.
How to Make Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs
Begin by combining your panko breadcrumbs with milk in a large bowl. Letting the breadcrumbs soak up the milk ensures your meatballs stay moist and tender, avoiding that dry or crumbly texture some chicken meatballs can have. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Now, add the ground chicken, egg, half of your fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture—this keeps the meatballs light and tender rather than dense.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion out the mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Rolling them gently between your palms gives them a nice round shape. Place them on a baking sheet ready for cooking. Uniform size means they’ll cook evenly and be perfectly juicy every time.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, making sure to get a nice golden crust on each side. This step not only locks in flavor but creates a beautiful color and texture contrast once smothered in gravy. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate for the next step.
Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This luscious sauce is rich, velvety, and the perfect partner for your meatballs.
Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Cover and simmer gently on low heat for 8 to 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld beautifully. If your sauce feels too thick, simply thin it slightly with a splash of broth. This final simmer elevates the dish, ensuring each bite is bursting with savory, comforting flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish by sprinkling the remaining fresh parsley over the top. This adds a lovely freshness and vibrant green contrast that makes every bite as visually inviting as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
Traditional mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are classic companions, soaking up that luscious gravy with ease. For a bright contrast, try serving with lingonberry jam, which adds a subtle sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve these meatballs over creamy polenta or cauliflower mash for a unique take that still highlights the creamy gravy. You can even pile them on a toasted baguette for a comforting meatball sandwich with a Scandinavian twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover meatballs and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy, flavorful meals throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor perfectly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up so it stays that silky, comforting sauce you love.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will yield similarly tender meatballs. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as turkey can sometimes cook a little faster.
What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in a pinch. Just keep in mind that beef broth lends a richer, deeper flavor that complements the Swedish meatballs beautifully.
Is it okay to bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. However, browning them first in butter adds that extra layer of flavor and a satisfying crust.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute all-purpose flour in the gravy with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for thickening. The recipe adapts well for gluten-sensitive diets.
What can I serve with Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe for a lighter meal?
Pairing the meatballs with steamed green beans or a fresh mixed salad instead of starches keeps the meal lighter while still enjoying all the savory, creamy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its tender meatballs and silky sauce, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Take your time, savor each step, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your go-to comfort dishes that friends and family ask for again and again.
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Chicken Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Swedish Chicken Meatballs recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic comfort food, featuring tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made from beef broth and heavy cream. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, and fresh parsley, these meatballs are browned to perfection before being gently cooked in a flavorful sauce. Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a touch of lingonberry jam for an authentic and satisfying meal.
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: Combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit until the breadcrumbs are fully saturated, which helps achieve moist meatballs.
- 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 everything gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture evenly. Roll each portion into a ball and place on a baking sheet, preparing them for browning.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides carefully, ensuring a golden crust without overcooking. Once browned, transfer them to a plate.
- Make Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour thoroughly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Simmer the mixture until it thickens into a smooth gravy. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cover and simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it out with additional beef broth as needed.
- Serve: Sprinkle the remaining chopped parsley over the meatballs. Serve hot with traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, complemented with lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs are cooked fully by simmering them gently in the gravy to keep them tender.
- Using panko breadcrumbs soaked in milk prevents dry meatballs and adds moisture.
- Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding extra beef broth if necessary.
- Lingonberry jam is a classic accompaniment that adds a subtle sweet and tart contrast to the savory meatballs.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
