If you’re chasing the ultimate comfort food, let me introduce you to Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs. This dish brings together tender chicken meatballs, bursting with savory herbs, all lovingly swaddled in a silky, mushroom-studded cream sauce. It’s the definition of cozy weeknight fare, delivering flavor, warmth, and an incredible aroma with every bite. Whether you serve them over your favorite mash, a plate of pasta, or simply alongside crusty bread, these Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs are pure feel-good magic.

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs is the way simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something deeply satisfying. Each item in this lineup pulls its weight—either boosting flavor, perfecting texture, or giving the sauce its velvety finish.

Ground chicken: Lean and mild, this soaks up every bit of delicious seasoning and keeps the meatballs ultra-tender.
Breadcrumbs: Acts as the binder that ensures the meatballs stay juicy, not tough.
Egg: Holds everything together for perfectly formed meatballs that won’t fall apart in the skillet.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of nutty, salty richness and depth to the mix.
Garlic (for meatballs): Infuses the meatballs with aromatic warmth and a hint of bite.
Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor without adding extra moisture to the mixture.
Salt and black pepper: The essentials for seasoning, balancing every bite beautifully.
Olive oil: Gives the meatballs a gorgeous golden crust while locking in moisture.
Butter: Creates a lustrous, rich base for the creamy mushroom sauce.
Cremini or button mushrooms: Chopped small so they practically melt into the sauce, adding an earthy backbone.
Onion (for sauce): Softens and sweetens as it cooks, pairing beautifully with mushrooms.
Garlic (for sauce): A second hit of garlicky goodness to layer in flavor.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it hugs every meatball just right.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and turns the flour into a luscious, pourable sauce.
Heavy cream: The star of the sauce, making everything irresistibly rich and smooth.
Dried thyme: Pops of herby flavor that tie the chicken and mushrooms together.
Salt and pepper (for sauce): Adjusts and enhances every last flavor in your pan.
Fresh parsley: For garnish, giving a fresh pop of color and bright flavor to finish.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Chicken Meatballs

Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a thorough mix using a fork or your hands—the idea is to just blend, not overmix, so your meatballs stay light and tender. Once combined, roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them on a plate. This is where the magic begins and the anticipation grows!

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, add those plump meatballs and cook, turning every couple of minutes, until all sides are golden and they’re cooked through—about 8 to 10 minutes in total. Carefully transfer the meatballs to a clean plate and resist the urge to sneak a taste (or at least only sample one)!

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion

Without wiping out the skillet, drop in the butter. Once it bubbles, add your chopped mushrooms and diced onion. Let them sizzle away for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then. You’re looking for deeply browned, fragrant veggies—the kind that will infuse the sauce for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs with bold, earthy undertones.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

To your sautéed mushrooms and onions, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the veggies and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out any raw flavor. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up the flavorful brown bits at the bottom of the skillet. Now, drizzle in the heavy cream, add the dried thyme, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce bubble away for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the golden meatballs (and any flavorful juices on the plate) right back into the skillet, gently tucking them into the bubbling sauce. Spoon some sauce over the tops to ensure every meatball gets its fair share of creamy goodness. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes so the flavors can fast-track their way into the meatballs. When you’re ready to serve, shower the Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs with fresh parsley and get ready for cheers around the table.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs! Try a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—it does wonders for both color and flavor. You could also add extra cracked black pepper, a mound of microgreens, or even a handful of grated Parmesan for extra richness. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the earthy sauce if you love a dash of acidity.

Side Dishes

The coziest way to enjoy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs is spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes, a swirl of buttered pasta, or even a creamy polenta. If you’re feeling adventurous, try rice pilaf or a hunk of rustic bread to scoop up all that luscious sauce. Roasted veggies or simple green beans make excellent, wholesome sides that balance the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not turn this classic comfort into a playful appetizer? Serve the Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs on skewers with a drizzle of sauce for party bites, or pile them on mini slider rolls for a fun twist. For a show-stopping dinner party entrée, arrange on a platter with roasted asparagus and a colorful salad, then serve family-style so everyone can dive in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the meatballs and sauce into an airtight container once cooled. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors magically deepen overnight, making this dish just as good for lunch!

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs for future cravings! Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately, if possible, for easy reheating and perfect texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen), then gently simmer the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, but stovetop is best for that just-cooked flavor and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey swaps in perfectly for an equally delicious, slightly leaner take on Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs. The flavor is a touch different but every bit as satisfying.

What’s the best way to keep meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs—they act as the glue that holds your mixture together. Also, avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs dense. Gentle hands are key for perfect results!

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes you can! Choose certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce. The whole family can dive in, no matter their dietary needs.

How do I make the sauce lighter?

For a lighter version of Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs, you can swap half-and-half or even evaporated milk for the heavy cream. Just keep an eye on the sauce while it simmers, as lighter liquids may thicken a touch less.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Certainly! Preheat your oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, and bake the meatballs for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and cooked through. Then add them to the sauce as instructed. Easy and hands-off!

Final Thoughts

If you crave cozy, crowd-pleasing meals, give Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs a place at your table. Every bite offers a perfect balance of herby chicken, earthy mushrooms, and velvety sauce. It’s one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again—because why wouldn’t you want a weeknight to feel just a little more special? Let these irresistible meatballs win over your family, friends, or just yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the leftovers!

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these homemade Creamy Mushroom Chicken Meatballs. Tender ground chicken meatballs are cooked to perfection and smothered in a luscious mushroom cream sauce that’s sure to please your taste buds. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

For the Mushroom Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, finely chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches until golden and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Make the Mushroom Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms and onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly. Sprinkle in flour and cook. Whisk in chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer to heat through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve over your choice of side dish.

Notes

Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for a comforting meal.
For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
You can also bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15–18 minutes instead of pan-frying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American