Prepare to be absolutely delighted by these incredible Swedish Chicken Meatballs! This recipe brings all the comforting flavors of a classic Swedish dish right to your kitchen, featuring tender chicken meatballs smothered in a heavenly, rich, and creamy gravy. It’s an irresistible meal that always hits the spot, offering a delicious twist on a beloved classic. What’s more, you can whip up this entire dish in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for those busy weeknights when you crave something special yet quick. Your entire family will fall in love with these savory morsels, so be sure to make extra – they’re guaranteed to disappear fast!
If you’re a fan of those iconic Swedish meatballs found in a certain popular furniture store, then you are in for a treat! These homemade Chicken Swedish Meatballs boast an authentic taste and texture that rivals – and arguably surpasses – the store-bought version. Each meatball is incredibly tender, perfectly seasoned, and enveloped in a luscious, savory gravy that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a hearty yet surprisingly easy recipe that promises a delightful culinary experience without spending hours in the kitchen, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan.
Looking for more family-friendly meals that are both filling and straightforward to prepare? You might also enjoy exploring my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna for a rich pasta bake, or my Oven Baked Roasted Whole Chicken for a simple, impressive centerpiece meal that requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Adore This Easy Swedish Chicken Meatball Recipe
This Swedish Chicken Meatball recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring joy and comfort to your table with remarkable ease. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation and why it will quickly become a household favorite:
- Unforgettable & Authentic Flavor Profile: These aren’t your average meatballs! The magic lies in a carefully balanced blend of warm, aromatic spices like nutmeg and allspice, which infuse the ground chicken with a distinctive, savory depth unique to Swedish cuisine. Coupled with the incredibly rich, velvety, and creamy gravy, every bite is a symphony of authentic flavors that will truly tantalize your taste buds and transport you to Northern Europe.
- A Speedy Weeknight Solution: Forget long hours of cooking after a hectic day! This recipe is incredibly efficient, coming together in less than an hour from start to finish. It’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade, satisfying meal that tastes gourmet without the fuss or extensive prep time.
- Family-Friendly & Universally Crowd-Pleasing: With its universally appealing flavors and comforting nature, this dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Even picky eaters are sure to devour these tender meatballs. Whether it’s a quiet family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these meatballs are sure to earn rave reviews and disappear quickly from the serving platter.
- Remarkable Versatility for Any Occasion: While traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes, these Swedish Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile. They can easily be the star of a hearty main course, a delightful and elegant appetizer for parties (served on toothpicks), or even a flavorful component in a larger buffet spread. No matter the occasion, these perfectly cooked meatballs will be a welcome and celebrated addition.
- A Healthier Twist on a Beloved Classic: By opting for lean ground chicken instead of the traditional beef and pork blend, this recipe offers a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the classic Swedish meatball flavor or comforting essence. It’s a smart choice for those looking for a lighter comfort food option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Simple & Straightforward Preparation: Don’t be intimidated by the delicious outcome. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and incredibly clear, making it perfect for novice cooks who are just starting their culinary journey and experienced chefs alike. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can create such an impressive and flavorful dish from scratch.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Swedish Chicken Meatballs
Crafting these delectable Swedish Chicken Meatballs requires a handful of common ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the dish’s signature flavor and texture. With these fresh components, you’re well on your way to a truly memorable meal:
For the Tender Chicken Meatballs:
- Soft White Bread: Two slices, with the crusts carefully removed. This is a critical ingredient for making the meatballs incredibly tender and moist. Once processed into fine crumbs and mixed with the meat, the bread helps retain moisture, preventing the meatballs from becoming dry or dense. For best results, use slightly stale bread, which crumbles more easily.
- Yellow Onion: Half a cup, very finely grated. Grating the onion ensures that it integrates seamlessly into the meat mixture, distributing its sweet and savory flavor evenly without leaving noticeable large chunks. It also adds a touch of essential moisture.
- Ground Chicken: One pound. We specifically opt for ground chicken in this recipe for a leaner, lighter, and often healthier version of the traditional Swedish meatball. However, if you prefer the classic approach, you can certainly substitute with ground beef, ground pork, or a traditional blend of both.
- Egg: One medium egg acts as an indispensable binder. It helps all the ingredients hold together cohesively, ensuring the meatballs maintain their shape and don’t crumble apart during the cooking process.
- Ground Black Pepper & Salt: These are your fundamental seasonings, crucial for enhancing the overall savory flavor of the chicken and bringing all the other spices to life. Adjust the quantities to your personal taste preferences.
- Ground Nutmeg & Allspice Powder: These two spices are the absolute heart and soul of authentic Swedish meatballs! They provide that distinctive, warm, deeply aromatic, and slightly sweet flavor profile that truly sets them apart from other types of meatballs. For an authentic taste, it is highly recommended not to skip or substitute these unique spices.
- Oil: One tablespoon, preferably a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. This is used for pan-frying the meatballs to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust, which adds texture and flavor, while simultaneously keeping them juicy and succulent inside.
For the Rich & Creamy Gravy:
- Unsalted Butter: Two tablespoons. Using unsalted butter is important as it allows you complete control over the overall saltiness of the gravy, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your liking without being overly salty from the start.
- All-Purpose Flour: Two tablespoons. This is the crucial ingredient for creating our roux, which will serve as the thickening agent for the gravy. The flour helps to achieve that luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth: One and a half cups. A low-sodium chicken broth is highly recommended to manage the salt content, providing a savory and robust foundation for the sauce without making it too salty.
- Heavy Cream: Half a cup. The heavy cream is what gives the gravy its signature richness, incredibly velvety texture, and truly irresistible creaminess that defines a classic Swedish meatball sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish. A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful touch of vibrant color, a burst of freshness, and a delicate herbaceous note to the finished dish, elevating its visual appeal and taste.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Master Swedish Chicken Meatballs
Creating these delightful Swedish Chicken Meatballs is simpler than you might think, and the process is incredibly rewarding. Follow these detailed steps carefully to achieve perfectly tender meatballs immersed in a glorious, savory, and creamy gravy.
Part 1: Preparing the Meatballs to Perfection
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Begin by taking your two slices of soft white bread (ensure crusts are removed for a finer texture) and placing them into a food processor. Pulse for approximately 30 seconds, or until fine, soft breadcrumbs are consistently formed. These fresh breadcrumbs are far superior to dried ones for moisture retention and creating tender meatballs.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: Carefully transfer the freshly prepared breadcrumbs into a large, spacious mixing bowl. To this bowl, add the finely grated yellow onion, the pound of ground chicken, one medium egg, half a teaspoon of ground black pepper, half a teaspoon of salt, a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a quarter teaspoon of allspice powder.
- Mix Gently: Using your clean hands (or a sturdy wooden spoon), gently mix all the ingredients together until they are just combined and evenly distributed. It’s paramount not to overmix the chicken mixture, as this can easily lead to tough, dense, and less enjoyable meatballs. The mixture should be uniform but not overly compacted.
- Form the Meatballs: For consistency in size and even cooking, utilize an ice cream scooper or a small cookie scoop (ideally about 1.5 tablespoons in size) to portion out the meat mixture. Gently roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, uniform balls. Aim for consistency to ensure every meatball cooks through evenly and at the same rate.
Part 2: Cooking the Meatballs to a Golden Finish
- Sear the Meatballs: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (a cast iron or quality non-stick pan works best) over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering and just beginning to smoke slightly, carefully add the prepared meatballs to the pan. Ensure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can steam the meatballs rather than sear them. You will likely need to cook them in two or more batches.
- Brown Evenly: Cook the meatballs for approximately 5 to 6 minutes, diligently turning them frequently with tongs to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. The goal here is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and partially cook them, not to cook them through completely at this stage.
- Remove and Drain: Once beautifully browned, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate that has been lined with a paper towel. This will help to drain any excess oil or moisture. Set the plate aside while you proceed to prepare the creamy gravy.
Part 3: Crafting the Creamy Gravy & Finishing the Dish
- Make the Roux: Using the exact same skillet where you cooked the meatballs (there’s no need to clean it – the browned bits, or ‘fond’, stuck to the bottom are packed with incredible flavor!), melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly foamy, sprinkle in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously and vigorously for about one minute to create a smooth roux. It should achieve a light golden color and emit a slightly nutty aroma.
- Build the Gravy Base: Slowly and gradually pour in one and a half cups of chicken broth, whisking constantly and thoroughly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth, begins to visibly thicken, and the fond from the bottom of the pan is fully incorporated into the liquid.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Next, stir in the half cup of heavy cream and continue to whisk until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is uniform. Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired luxuriously creamy consistency. Be sure to taste the gravy at this stage and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Return Meatballs to Gravy: Carefully add the browned chicken meatballs back into the skillet with the simmering gravy. Stir them gently to ensure all meatballs are thoroughly coated in the rich sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Allow the meatballs to cook in the gravy for another 4-5 minutes. This crucial step ensures that the meatballs cook through completely, absorbing the incredible flavors of the sauce, while simultaneously allowing the gravy to further thicken and cling beautifully to each meatball.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the meatballs are heated through and the gravy is perfectly rich and thick, remove the skillet from the heat. Generously garnish the entire dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve these incredible Swedish Chicken Meatballs immediately over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, cooked pasta, or rice, with your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete, satisfying meal.
Expert Tips for Perfectly Tender Swedish Chicken Meatballs
Achieving the best Swedish Chicken Meatballs every time is simple with a few insider tips and tricks. Keep these in mind to ensure your meatballs are always tender, juicy, perfectly flavored, and your gravy is impeccably smooth:
- Avoid Overmixing the Meat Mixture: This is arguably the most crucial tip for tender meatballs. Overmixing the ground chicken (or any ground meat) will overdevelop the proteins, resulting in tough, dense, and heavy meatballs rather than light and succulent ones. Mix just until the ingredients are barely combined.
- Roll Gently, Not Tightly: Similarly, when forming your meatballs, use a light, gentle hand. Avoid rolling them too tightly or compacting the mixture excessively. A loose, gentle roll will ensure they remain tender and delicate once cooked.
- Uniform Size is Key for Even Cooking: To ensure all your meatballs cook through at the same rate, use a cookie scoop, small ice cream scoop, or even a measuring spoon to portion out the meat mixture. This guarantees they are roughly the same size and will cook uniformly.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: When searing the meatballs, cook them in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature, leading to steaming instead of proper browning and searing. Give each meatball ample space to develop that delicious golden-brown crust.
- Trust Your Thermometer for Doneness: While visual cues are helpful, the most accurate way to check if your chicken meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat is with an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the center of a meatball; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Flexibility with Ground Meat: While this recipe specifically highlights ground chicken for a lighter touch, it truly works wonderfully with any type of ground meat. Feel free to use ground beef, ground pork, or a traditional blend of beef and pork. Just adjust cooking times slightly as needed for different meats.
- Scrape the Fond for Maximum Flavor: After cooking the meatballs, don’t discard the flavorful browned bits (known as ‘fond’) stuck to the bottom of the skillet! These bits are packed with intense savory flavor and will contribute immensely to the richness and depth of your gravy. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape them up as you add the broth.
- Adjust Gravy Consistency to Your Liking: If your gravy turns out too thick, you can easily thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in a very small slurry of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
- Consider a Dash of Sweetness: For an extra layer of authentic Swedish flavor and a delightful complexity, a tiny spoon of lingonberry jam or even a pinch of brown sugar stirred into the gravy can add a subtle, delightful sweetness that beautifully complements the savory notes.
- Use Freshly Grated Onion: While onion powder can be convenient, freshly grated onion adds essential moisture and a more vibrant, fresh flavor profile that contributes significantly to the meatballs’ taste and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Chicken Meatballs
Got more questions about preparing, storing, or serving these delightful Swedish Chicken Meatballs? Here are comprehensive answers to some of the most common queries to help you master this recipe and enjoy it to the fullest.
How do I store leftover Swedish Chicken Meatballs?
To properly store leftover Swedish Chicken Meatballs and their creamy gravy, first allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This ensures freshness and safety. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze these chicken meatballs?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze meatballs, both cooked and uncooked! For optimal texture and quality, I highly recommend freezing the meatballs *before* they are cooked and sauced. To do this, place the raw, rolled meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until they are completely solid (this is called flash freezing). Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. While you can freeze cooked meatballs with the sauce, be aware that creamy sauces can sometimes alter in texture upon thawing and reheating, potentially becoming a bit grainy or separating. It’s still edible, but for the best culinary experience, preparing the sauce fresh when reheating frozen cooked meatballs is preferred.
How do I cook using frozen meatballs?
If you froze uncooked meatballs, the best method is to first thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Once fully thawed, proceed with the pan-searing and sauce-making steps exactly as outlined in the recipe instructions. If you froze cooked meatballs (without sauce), you can reheat them gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water, then add the freshly prepared gravy. If you opted to freeze them with the sauce, thaw them in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to its ideal consistency.
What can I serve with Swedish Chicken Meatballs?
The quintessential and most cherished pairing for Swedish meatballs is, without a doubt, creamy mashed potatoes – their fluffy texture beautifully soaks up all that rich, delicious gravy! However, many other fantastic options abound:
- Cooked Pasta: Egg noodles, tagliatelle, or even wide spaghetti are wonderful choices, especially when tossed directly into the pan sauce.
- Fluffy Rice: White rice, brown rice, or a wild rice blend provides a versatile and absorbent base for the creamy sauce.
- Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Fresh steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, tender broccoli florets, glazed carrots, or roasted Brussels sprouts add freshness, color, and essential nutrients.
- Lingonberry Jam: This is a traditional Swedish accompaniment, offering a delightful tart and sweet contrast that perfectly cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the delectable gravy.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, tangy cucumber salad offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich meatballs.
What makes Swedish meatballs different from other types of meatballs?
Swedish meatballs (or “köttbullar”) are distinct from their Italian counterparts and other global variations primarily in their size, unique seasoning, and characteristic sauce. Swedish meatballs are typically smaller, more finely textured, and famously seasoned with warm, aromatic spices like allspice and nutmeg, often accompanied by a subtle hint of onion. They are famously served with a rich, velvety, brown, cream-based gravy. Italian meatballs, by contrast, are generally larger, coarser in texture, seasoned prominently with herbs like oregano and basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese, and traditionally served with a vibrant, tomato-based marinara sauce.
What are traditional Swedish meatballs made of?
Traditionally, authentic Swedish meatballs (“köttbullar”) are made from a savory mixture of finely ground pork and ground beef. This blend provides a specific flavor and fat content that is characteristic of the classic dish. However, this particular recipe ingeniously uses ground chicken, offering a delicious, often healthier, and lighter alternative while carefully retaining the beloved classic Swedish flavor profile through its signature spices and creamy gravy. This adaptation caters to modern dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
Can I make these Swedish Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! Making these Swedish Chicken Meatballs gluten-free is quite simple with a couple of straightforward substitutions. For the meatballs themselves, replace the regular soft white bread with a good quality gluten-free bread to create your breadcrumbs. For the creamy gravy, use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (or you can use an alternative thickener like rice flour or a cornstarch slurry) for the roux. Additionally, always ensure that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. With these simple adjustments, you’ll have a wonderfully delicious and safe gluten-free version of this classic dish!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you loved creating and savoring this fantastic Swedish Chicken Meatball recipe, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful chicken dishes, perfect for any meal:
- Easy Chicken Stew
- Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken
- Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
I genuinely hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Swedish Chicken Meatballs recipe as much as I do. It’s truly a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and happiness to any table, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Please give it a try, and if you liked it, let me know what you think by leaving a star rating and a comment below – your feedback is always appreciated!
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Rated 4.75 out of 5 stars by 12 voters.
Swedish Chicken Meatballs
By: Mariam Ezzeddine
You will love these crowd-pleasing homemade Swedish Chicken Meatballs! These tender chicken meatballs are cooked in a skillet and then coated in a delicious creamy gravy sauce. It tastes just like the IKEA Swedish meatballs, if not better!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe
Ingredients
To prepare the Meatballs:
- 2 slices soft white bread, without crust
- ½ cup yellow onion, grated
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium egg
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice powder
- 1 tbsp oil
To prepare the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour
- 1½ cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- In a food processor, add the bread slices and pulse for 30 seconds until fine breadcrumbs are formed.
- Transfer the breadcrumbs to a bowl. Add the grated onion, ground chicken, egg, pepper, salt, nutmeg, and allspice powder. Mix gently until everything is just combined.
- Using an ice cream scooper or small cookie scoop, portion the meat mixture and roll into uniform balls.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning frequently, for 5-6 minutes until evenly browned. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate. Discard any excess moisture/oil, but keep the flavorful bits at the bottom of the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for a minute, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Allow the gravy to simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
- Return the chicken meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring gently, until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has reached your desired thickness.
- Garnish the Swedish meatballs with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, with your preferred vegetables on the side.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the chicken mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs.
- Roll meatballs gently; don’t compact them too much.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized meatballs, ensuring even cooking.
- Do not make meatballs too large, as this can lead to uneven cooking and dry exteriors.
- This recipe is adaptable to any type of ground meat (beef, pork, or a blend).
- Ensure chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 487mg | Potassium: 771mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg