French Onion Chicken Meatballs

Discover the indulgent flavors of French Onion Chicken Meatballs in this unique recipe that transforms the classic soup into a delicious, bite-sized treat. These tender meatballs are infused with sweet caramelized onions, rich Gruyère cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground chicken, making them an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy them as an appetizer, a main dish, or in a gourmet sandwich—an easy way to bring comfort food to your table!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for added crunch)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Sauté Onions: In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are caramelized and golden brown. Add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, cooled caramelized onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the meat.

Form Meatballs: With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden color.

Prepare Onion Gravy: While the meatballs are baking, use the same skillet you used for the onions, pour in the broth, and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Add Cheese: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the gravy. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and cover. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Serve: Garnish the meatballs with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping, over pasta, or on a bed of rice. Enjoy your French Onion Chicken Meatballs!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 servings