Print

Savory French Onion Chicken Meatballs for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 150 reviews

These Savory French Onion Chicken Meatballs bring a comforting twist to classic French onion soup flavors. Tender ground chicken meatballs are baked to perfection, then simmered in a rich caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with melted Gruyère and Havarti cheese for a luscious finish. Perfect for cozy nights, this dish combines the hearty satisfaction of meatballs with the deep, savory essence of French onion soup in one delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken
  • ⅓ cup almond meal
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Onion Sauce and Topping

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 6 ounces shredded Havarti cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, preparing it for the meatballs.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, almond meal, parsley, finely chopped onion, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Form Meatballs: Use a 1½-inch scoop to portion the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are cooked through.
  5. Caramelize Onions: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and sauté until they become very soft and golden brown, about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the caramelized onions and cook for an additional minute to release the aromas.
  7. Create Onion Sauce: Stir in the beef broth, fresh thyme, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  8. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the baked meatballs into the skillet with the onion sauce and cook together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  9. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and Havarti cheese over the meatballs, cover the pan, and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes, creating a gooey and savory topping.

Notes

  • Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit cheeses and substitute with non-dairy alternatives.
  • Almond meal keeps meatballs gluten-free; substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confidently check meatball doneness.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat develops their natural sweetness and flavor depth.

Keywords: French onion chicken meatballs, savory meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, baked meatballs, caramelized onion sauce, Gruyère cheese, Havarti cheese, cozy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/savory-french-onion-chicken-meatballs-for-cozy-nights-recipe/