Transform your dinner routine with these incredibly tender chicken meatballs swimming in a rich, creamy sauce that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tang of Dijon mustard. This comforting dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors right from your own kitchen and will quickly become your family’s new favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- Ground chicken – 1 kg / 2.2 lbs
- Chicken eggs – 2 large
- Breadcrumbs – 60g / 1 cup
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Salt – 1 tsp / 5g
- Ground black pepper – 1/2 tsp / 2g
- Fresh thyme – 1 tbsp / 5g (or 1 tsp dried)
- Shallot – 1 medium, finely diced
- Butter – 1 tbsp / 15g
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp / 15ml
For the Potatoes:
- Large potatoes – 3 pieces (600g / 1.3 lbs)
- Salt – 1 tbsp / 15g
- Butter – 2 tbsp / 30g
For the Sauce:
- Butter – 1 tbsp / 15g
- All-purpose flour – 1 tbsp / 8g
- Chicken broth – 420ml / 1.75 cups
- Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp / 30ml
- Maple syrup – 4 tbsp / 60ml
- Mayonnaise – 2 tbsp / 30ml
Instructions
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, and diced shallot. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
- Form meatballs: With lightly oiled hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs using a tablespoon as a guide. You should get approximately 40-45 meatballs.
- Start potatoes: Peel and cut potatoes into chunks. Place in a pot with salted water and bring to boil. Cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Cook meatballs: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches, turning to brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes total. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Finish potatoes: Drain cooked potatoes and mash with 2 tablespoons butter until smooth. Keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and flour. Whisk together and cook for 1 minute.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and maple syrup. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Combine and simmer: Bring sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and meatballs are heated through.
- Serve: Place mashed potatoes in bowls, top with meatballs and sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
Time and Serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 425
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
Why This Recipe is Good and Healthy
These chicken meatballs provide a healthier alternative to traditional beef meatballs while delivering exceptional flavor and nutrition. Ground chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, containing all essential amino acids needed for muscle development and repair. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune system health.
The creamy maple Dijon sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors without relying on heavy cream or artificial additives. Maple syrup provides natural sweetness along with minerals like manganese and zinc, while Dijon mustard adds beneficial compounds that may help boost metabolism.
The accompanying mashed potatoes contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy release, plus potassium for heart health and proper muscle function. This complete meal delivers balanced macronutrients with wholesome ingredients, making it both satisfying and nourishing for the entire family.