Experience a gourmet twist on comfort food with this French Onion Chicken Meatballs recipe. Juicy chicken meatballs are baked in a rich, caramelized onion sauce, then topped with melted Gruyere cheese for a meal that’s indulgent and satisfying. Serve with egg noodles, seasoned potatoes, or crusty French bread to complete the dish.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Chicken: Creates tender and flavorful meatballs.
- Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together.
- Egg: Adds moisture and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- French Onion Soup Mix: Infuses the meatballs with classic onion flavor.
- Onions and Sugar: Caramelized to sweet perfection for the rich sauce.
- Red Wine: Adds depth to the sauce.
- Gruyere Cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Beef Broth and Thyme: Create a savory base for the sauce.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs, egg, French onion soup mix, and minced garlic. Mix well and form the mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1 ½ inches each.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Saute for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden.
Step 3: Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook, flipping occasionally, until the edges are browned, about 4 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Transfer the skillet with the meatballs to the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Flip them halfway through if needed to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Add red wine, salt, and pepper to the caramelized onions, stirring for about 3 minutes. Then stir in the beef broth and thyme, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the flour. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Remove the meatballs from the oven. Pour the onion sauce over the meatballs, ensuring even coverage.
Step 7: Add Gruyere Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Gruyere melts beautifully, but you can substitute Swiss cheese if needed.
- Don’t Skip the Caramelization: Properly caramelized onions make the sauce deeply flavorful.
- Adjust the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, add an extra teaspoon of flour; for a thinner sauce, add a splash of beef broth.
- Pairing Options: Serve with egg noodles, roasted potatoes, or crusty French bread for a complete meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works just as well and offers a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and bake when ready to serve.
What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute for red wine?
You can use beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar for similar depth of flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 537
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 27g
Conclusion
These French Onion Chicken Meatballs are a luxurious yet approachable dish that blends bold flavors and hearty comfort. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Try it today and savor the rich, cheesy goodness!