Chicken meatballs in white cheese sauce

Delicious Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Cheese Sauce Recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Chicken meatballs in creamy cheese sauce are a comforting and delicious dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. This recipe is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic cheeses. Let’s start this culinary journey!

The Story Behind the Recipe

Meatballs are a classic dish found in many culinary cultures. They have evolved over time, adapting to local ingredients and the cooking preferences of each region. In this recipe, we chose to add a creamy cheese sauce that transforms the dish into a delicacy, offering a touch of elegance and refinement. Of course, every family has their favorite meatball recipe, but the addition of cheese makes them truly special!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
- 1 kg boneless chicken breast
- 1 onion
- 1 cup rice
- 2 eggs
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- thyme to taste
- 1 liter water

For the sauce:
- 500 g cooking cream
- 140 g soft cheese with herbs (we recommend Delaco)
- 100 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 50 g butter
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 red onion
- 5 garlic cloves
- 275 g canned mushrooms (or fresh, if you prefer)
- salt and lemon pepper to taste
- basil leaves to taste
- tarragon to taste
- nutmeg to taste
- a little broth from boiling the meatballs
- chopped fresh dill for garnish

Preparing the Meatballs

1. Preparing the meat: Start by chopping the chicken breast along with one onion. You can use a food processor to achieve a uniform texture. This will ensure that the meatballs have a smooth and pleasant consistency.

2. Adding the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, eggs, washed rice, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix all the ingredients well until homogeneous. If you want to add some greenery, you can also include chopped parsley or dill.

3. Forming the meatballs: With wet hands, shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Make sure they are uniform for even cooking.

4. Boiling the meatballs: In a pot, bring 1 liter of salted water to a boil. Add the meatballs and let them boil for 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. You can use a slotted spoon to easily remove them from the water.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Sautéing the onion: In a large skillet, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the finely chopped red onion. Cook over medium heat until it becomes translucent.

2. Adding the mushrooms: If using canned mushrooms, drain them well and add them to the skillet. If you prefer fresh mushrooms, chop them finely and add them. Cook until softened.

3. Making the sauce: Add a teaspoon of sugar to caramelize the onion slightly. After a few minutes, add the cooking cream and a few tablespoons of the broth in which the meatballs were boiled. Mix well and let it simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.

4. Finishing the sauce: When it reaches a boil, remove the skillet from heat and add the soft cheese and pressed garlic. Stir until well combined. Return the skillet to the heat, season with salt, lemon pepper, basil leaves, and tarragon. You can also add some broth from the meatballs to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Adding the meatballs: Add the meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer together for 5 minutes. Finally, season the sauce with a pinch of nutmeg and add the chopped dill and grated Parmesan.

Serving

The chicken meatballs in creamy cheese sauce can be served warm alongside mashed potatoes or fluffy polenta. This combination will perfectly complement the creamy sauce and aromatic cheeses. You can also opt for a fresh vegetable salad to add a crunchy and healthy contrast.

Helpful Tips

- Cheese variations: Don’t limit yourself to soft cheese with herbs. You can experiment with different types of spreadable cheeses (such as goat cheese or feta) for a personalized taste.
- Adjusting the seasonings: Everyone has their own palate, so feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to your liking. You can even add a splash of soy sauce for a more umami flavor.
- Cooking the meatballs: If you want to reduce preparation time, you can use pre-ground meat or bake the meatballs instead of boiling them.

Nutritional Information

These chicken meatballs in creamy cheese sauce are an excellent source of protein due to the chicken and cheeses. The cream adds healthy fats, while the mushrooms contribute fiber and antioxidants. However, to keep this dish within reasonable limits, it’s best to be mindful of portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey is a healthy and tasty alternative.
- Is this recipe suitable for kids? Absolutely! Meatballs are easy to eat, and the creamy sauce will definitely appeal to them.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance? You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and reheat them before serving.

I hope this recipe for chicken meatballs in creamy cheese sauce becomes a favorite in your kitchen! Enjoy!