Easy Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Honey & Mustard Sauce

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When it comes to preparing a meal that’s quick, nutritious, and satisfying, few dishes hit the mark like chicken meatballs. These Easy Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Honey & Mustard Sauce offer a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. In just under 30 minutes, you’ll enjoy juicy, tender chicken meatballs coated in a luscious, creamy sauce that balances sweetness and tang in every bite.

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Whether you’re in need of a weeknight dinner or something to serve at a cozy gathering, these meatballs are a perfect choice. They are easy to make, use accessible ingredients, and come together effortlessly, making them a go-to recipe for busy home cooks who still want to prepare something special.

This dish brings the best of comfort food with a modern twist, perfect for anyone craving rich flavors without a lengthy preparation time. The sauce, with its sweet honey and sharp mustard notes, elevates the tender chicken meatballs into something extraordinary. Plus, the meatballs themselves are seasoned with a fragrant mix of thyme, rosemary, and garlic, providing a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Meatballs

• Quick & Easy: This recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
• Juicy Meatballs: With the perfect combination of chicken, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, these meatballs come out wonderfully moist and tender.
• Luscious Sauce: The honey and mustard sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of tangy.
• Versatile: You can serve these meatballs over rice, pasta, or even on their own as a protein-packed snack.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild enough to please kids, but sophisticated enough for adults.

Now, let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation steps to bring these delicious meatballs to life!

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients in this recipe are simple, yet together, they create a complex and satisfying dish. Each one plays a role in contributing to the flavor profile, from the delicate herbs to the rich, creamy sauce.

For the Meatballs:

• 350g (12 oz) Minced Chicken: The base of the meatballs, chicken offers a mild flavor that serves as the perfect canvas for the seasonings and sauce.
• 75g (½ Cup) Onion: Grated onion adds moisture and sweetness to the meatballs. It also imparts a mild savory taste that complements the chicken.
• 4 Garlic Cloves: Garlic enhances the flavor of the chicken with a punch of aromatic sharpness.
• 1 Tsp Dried Thyme: Thyme’s earthy, floral notes add depth to the meatballs and make them taste more complex.
• ½ Tsp Dried Rosemary: Rosemary’s piney, slightly minty flavor works beautifully with the chicken and adds a nice herbal touch.
• ¾ Tsp Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, ensuring the meatballs are seasoned well.
• 50g (¾ Cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs help to bind the meatballs together and provide texture, making the meatballs light and airy.
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the meatballs before cooking, ensuring a crisp, golden finish.

For the Creamy Honey & Mustard Sauce:

• 175ml (¾ Cup) Chicken Stock: Chicken stock adds richness and depth to the sauce, balancing the creaminess of the creme fraiche and the tanginess of the mustard.
• 1 Tbsp Honey: Honey introduces a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy mustard, creating a balanced sauce that’s neither too sweet nor too sharp.
• 1 Tbsp English Mustard: Mustard adds a subtle heat and a sharp tang that cuts through the creaminess of the sauce, creating a perfect contrast.
• 150g (½ Cup) Creme Fraiche: Creme fraiche lends a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that gives the sauce its smooth texture and richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Parsley is used as a garnish to add a touch of color and freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s break down the cooking process. This recipe is simple yet incredibly flavorful, and you’ll love the satisfying results.

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

• Grate the Onion: Start by peeling and grating the onion. This is an important step because grating the onion releases its natural juices, which will keep the meatballs moist. Place the grated onion in a large mixing bowl.
• Prepare the Garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and mash them into a paste using a mortar and pestle or the side of a knife. Adding a pinch of salt helps to break the garlic down into a smooth paste. This ensures the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the meatballs, infusing each bite with its aromatic flavor.
• Combine with Chicken: Add the minced chicken to the bowl with the grated onion and mashed garlic. The chicken will serve as the base for the meatballs, and the onion and garlic will season the meat, making the meatballs flavorful and juicy.
• Season the Mixture: Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, and salt over the chicken mixture. These herbs will give the meatballs an earthy, aromatic flavor. The salt helps to bring out the flavors of the chicken and season everything evenly.
• Add the Breadcrumbs: Mix in the panko breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will act as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together while keeping them tender.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Once everything is well combined, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat mixture from sticking to your fingers. Roll the mixture into even-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe makes approximately 10 meatballs, but you can adjust the size depending on your preference.

3. Cook the Meatballs

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 220°C (435°F). Place the meatballs on a baking tray and drizzle them with olive oil. Roll the meatballs around to coat them evenly in the oil. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
• Air Fryer Method: Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 200°C (400°F). The air fryer will give the meatballs a crispy exterior while keeping them juicy on the inside.

While the meatballs are cooking, you can start preparing the sauce.

4. Prepare the Creamy Honey & Mustard Sauce

• Simmer the Chicken Stock: In a large skillet, heat the chicken stock over medium heat. Let it come to a gentle simmer. The stock will form the base of the sauce and help to deglaze the pan if any bits from the meatballs have stuck to the bottom.
• Add Honey and Mustard: Stir in the honey and English mustard. The honey will bring sweetness, and the mustard will provide a slight heat and tang. Continue stirring to combine the ingredients.
• Add the Creme Fraiche: Once the honey and mustard are fully incorporated, stir in the creme fraiche. This will create a rich, creamy sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently while the meatballs finish cooking.

5. Coat the Meatballs in the Sauce

Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently roll the meatballs around in the sauce, ensuring they are fully coated. Place a lid on the skillet and let the meatballs cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the meatballs with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. The parsley complements the richness of the meatballs and sauce while adding a burst of brightness to the dish.

Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: A Sensory Experience

As you take the first bite of these Easy Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Honey & Mustard Sauce, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors and textures. The meatballs are perfectly juicy, tender, and full of savory herb notes, while the creamy honey and mustard sauce offers a luxurious, velvety mouthfeel with just the right balance of sweetness and tang. The subtle heat from the mustard cuts through the creaminess, preventing the sauce from feeling too heavy.

The fresh parsley adds a burst of color and flavor, ensuring every bite is as refreshing as it is indulgent. The dish has a comforting richness, but the flavors remain light, making it an ideal choice for any meal.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with substitutions or add your own twists.

Substituting Chicken:

• Ground Turkey: If you prefer turkey over chicken, ground turkey works just as well in this recipe. It’s leaner than chicken, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil to keep the meatballs moist.
• Ground Pork: For a richer flavor, ground pork can be used in place of the chicken. It will create a slightly fattier meatball but still pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Herb Variations:

• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or rosemary on hand, feel free to use them instead of the dried versions. Fresh herbs will give the meatballs an even more vibrant flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: For a different flavor profile, you can use Italian seasoning in place of thyme and rosemary. It adds a slightly different herbal note that still complements the chicken beautifully.

Making it Spicy:

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you prefer a spicy kick. The honey will still balance out the heat, creating a delightful sweet-heat contrast.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs can be served in various ways. Here are some delicious options:

• With Pasta: Serve the meatballs and sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Over Rice: Serve with a side of steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• On a Salad: For a lighter meal, serve the meatballs on top of a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
• With Vegetables: Pair the meatballs with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or zucchini for a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

These Easy Chicken Meatballs with Creamy Honey & Mustard Sauce are sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire. They’re quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making them the perfect choice for busy evenings or casual gatherings. With their tender chicken meatballs and rich, tangy sauce, every bite is a satisfying experience that will leave everyone asking for more.

By following this recipe, you’ll create a dish that not only looks impressive but tastes absolutely delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, this meal is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself to a comforting, flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.