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These easy-to-make chicken meatballs are a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Combining ground chicken and pork with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, they are baked to perfection and served with a rich, savory sauce. This dish is an excellent choice for a comforting meal and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Ideal for busy weeknights, these chicken meatballs are sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup half and half
1 large egg, whisked
1/3 cup yellow onion, very finely minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. ground chicken
1/2 lb. ground pork (see notes)

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 beef bouillon cube (see notes)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon half and half
1/2 teaspoon each: onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon each: dried rosemary, ground sage, pepper
2-3 drops gravy master (optional, for color)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the half and half, egg, minced onion, and garlic. Stir until fully incorporated.
Add Meat: Gently mix in the ground chicken and pork using your hands or a silicone spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. If the mixture feels too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 24 meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a lightly greased, light-colored baking sheet. For smoother meatballs, refrigerate for 5 minutes, then roll again.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Sauce

Prepare Liquid Mix: In a medium measuring cup, combine chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, half and half, and all seasonings. Stir well.
Create Roux: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until golden and fragrant.
Add Liquid: Gradually pour in the sauce mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to come to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. For a darker color, add a few drops of gravy master (optional).
Combine: Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve

Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans for a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavor: The combination of chicken and pork creates juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Comforting Sauce: The creamy, seasoned sauce complements the meatballs perfectly.
Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.

Tips

Onion Prep: Finely mince onions to avoid large chunks and ensure they bind well with the meat mixture.
Chilling: Refrigerating the meatballs briefly helps maintain their shape.
Color Boost: A few drops of gravy master can enhance the sauce’s appearance.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein Swap: Use all chicken or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Dairy-Free: Replace half and half with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the sauce before serving.

What can I use instead of ground pork?
You can use additional ground chicken or turkey as a substitute for ground pork.

Can I freeze the sauce?
The sauce freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

Serving and Suggestions

Pair With: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad make excellent accompaniments.
Leftovers: Use leftover meatballs and sauce in sandwiches or over egg noodles for a quick lunch.