French Onion Chicken Meatballs

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are flavorful, hearty, and crazy delicious! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, they combine classic French onion soup flavors with tender chicken meatballs. The rich taste of melted cheese and the sweet caramelized onions will have everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is sure to impress your guests while being simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor – The combination of caramelized onions and melted cheese creates a rich taste that elevates the humble meatball.
• Versatile Serving Options – Serve these meatballs as appetizers, over pasta, or in a sub for a delightful sandwich.
• Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps, you can whip up this recipe quickly without compromising on flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and freeze for quick meals later in the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser – These meatballs are sure to be a hit at any gathering or festive occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious French Onion Chicken Meatballs, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl – A large bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without mess.
• Baking sheet – Ensures even cooking of the meatballs and makes cleanup easier with parchment paper.
• Skillet – Ideal for caramelizing onions and simmering the flavorful sauce.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are flavorful, hearty, and crazy delicious!

Ingredients:
– 1 egg
– 5 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon pepper
– 1/3 cup almond meal for gluten-free version (or bread crumbs if preferred)
– 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup parsley, finely chopped
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
– 4 large garlic cloves, minced
– 1 1/2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese (see Note about cheeses below)
– 6 ounces shredded Havarti cheese (see Note about shredding the Havarti, below)

How to Make French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients:
1. Add ground chicken.
2. Mix in Parmesan cheese, almond meal, fresh chopped parsley, chopped onion, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Using a 1½-inch scoop:
1. Form meatballs from the mixture.
2. Place them evenly spaced on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake for 15–20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Cook the Onions

While the meatballs are baking:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
2. Add sliced onions and cook until very soft and golden brown (about 25 minutes), stirring often.

Step 6: Add Garlic and Broth

Add minced garlic to the skillet:
1. Cook for an additional minute.
2. Pour in beef broth along with fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil then reduce heat; simmer until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).

Step 7: Combine Meatballs with Sauce

Add baked meatballs to the skillet:
1. Cook together for about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheeses over the meatballs.
3. Cover pan until cheese melts (about 3–5 minutes).

Serve warm garnished with fresh thyme!

How to Serve French Onion Chicken Meatballs

French Onion Chicken Meatballs are a delicious treat that can be served in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

On a Bed of Mashed Potatoes

• Serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. The rich gravy complements the fluffy potatoes perfectly.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair the meatballs with slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This makes for a hearty appetizer or main dish.

In a Sub Sandwich

• Place the meatballs in a sub roll and top with extra cheese for a tasty sandwich. It’s perfect for lunch or an on-the-go dinner.

As Party Appetizers

• Skewer the meatballs with toothpicks and serve them as bite-sized appetizers at gatherings. They are sure to impress your guests!

With a Fresh Green Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the meatballs nicely.

How to Perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Creating perfect French Onion Chicken Meatballs requires attention to detail. Here are some useful tips to elevate your dish.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor significantly and make your dish more vibrant.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste your mixture before baking, and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference.
• Control cooking time – Ensure you don’t overbake the meatballs; check their internal temperature for best results.
• Experiment with cheeses – Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for unique flavors.
• Let them rest – Allow the meatballs to rest after cooking; this helps blend flavors and keeps them juicy.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Chicken Meatballs

To round out your meal, consider serving these delightful side dishes alongside French Onion Chicken Meatballs.

1. Roasted Vegetables
   A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds nutrition and flavor.
2. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory sauce of your meatballs.
3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.
4. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, balancing out the meal with its nutrients.
5. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw can add a crunchy texture and bright flavors, making it an excellent side choice.
6. Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs is an excellent base that absorbs all the delicious sauce from your meatballs.
7. Zucchini Noodles
   Lighten up your plate by serving zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil as a low-carb alternative.
8. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob is a classic side that pairs well with any hearty dish, including these meatballs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your French Onion Chicken Meatballs from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Using the wrong meat type: Ensure you use 93% lean ground chicken for the best texture and flavor. Substituting with a different fat content can lead to dry meatballs.
• Not mixing enough: When combining ingredients, mix until fully incorporated. Over-mixing can make them tough, while under-mixing leads to uneven flavor distribution.
• Skipping the cheese: Gruyère and Havarti add delicious creaminess. Don’t skip them; they’re essential for that authentic French onion flavor!
• Improper baking time: Make sure to bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Undercooking can affect food safety and taste.
• Ignoring the sauce: The onion and broth mixture is key for moisture and flavor. Don’t rush this step; let the onions caramelize properly for a sweet depth of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let meatballs cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Chicken Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place meatballs on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in intervals of 1 minute until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add meatballs with a splash of broth or water and cover until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Onion Chicken Meatballs:

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes! Ground turkey works well as a substitute while maintaining similar taste and texture in your French Onion Chicken Meatballs.

How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure you properly mix your ingredients and form tightly packed meatballs. The egg acts as a binder, so don’t omit it!

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs in your recipe for delicious gluten-free French Onion Chicken Meatballs.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These flavorful meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, rice, or even crusty bread. They also work great as appetizers at any gathering!

How long do these meatballs take to cook?

From start to finish, plan on about 1 hour for your French Onion Chicken Meatballs—15 minutes prep and around 45 minutes cooking time.

Final Thoughts

These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them as an appetizer or serve them over pasta for dinner. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite herbs or spices!