Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Meatballs (Print Version)
Tender chicken meatballs with sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, tangy mustard cream sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Meatballs
01 - 1 lb ground chicken
02 - 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), finely chopped
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1/4 cup gluten-free or regular breadcrumbs
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ For the Creamy Mustard Sauce
12 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
13 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
14 - 1 cup heavy cream
15 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
16 - 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
17 - 1 tsp whole-grain mustard
18 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
20 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
03 - Form mixture into 16-18 small meatballs, about 1.5 inches each.
04 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 4–5 minutes total.
05 - Arrange seared meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
06 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
07 - Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon and whole-grain mustards. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
08 - Add Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 more minutes until slightly thickened.
09 - Return baked meatballs to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sun-dried tomatoes become chewy little flavor bombs that surprise you with every bite
- The dual mustard approach creates a sauce that's both sharp and mellow at the same time
02 -
- Overmixing the chicken makes tough meatballs, so mix just until ingredients are combined
- Searing first creates a flavor foundation that baking alone simply cannot achieve
03 -
- Use a cookie scoop for perfectly uniform meatballs that cook evenly
- Let the meatballs rest 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices