Go Back
Homemade Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce photo

Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce

These Garlic-Parmesan Chicken Meatballs in Cream Sauce are rich, juicy, and full of flavor—perfect for a cozy, comforting meal any night of the week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce
  • chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium skillet or frying pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Plate or tray

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until well incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or tray. This should yield about 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes total. They do not need to be fully cooked yet. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Return meatballs to the skillet, nestle gently into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve over pasta, rice, or your preferred side dish.

Notes

  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk and Greek yogurt mixture.
  • Use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Swap Parmesan and heavy cream for dairy-free alternatives to make it dairy-free.
  • Add fresh thyme or oregano to the meatballs for an herbal twist.
  • Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.