If cozy comfort had a flavor, it would definitely taste like this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken meatballs, warmly spiced and nestled in a dreamy, creamy sauce — a lighter twist on the classic but still every bit as satisfying. Whether you’re craving an easy family dinner or planning a special gathering, this dish dazzles with big flavor, minimal fuss, and just the kind of nostalgia that brings everyone smiling to the table. The Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new go-to for comfort food with a little Scandi flair.

Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe is how it transforms familiar, easy-to-find ingredients into something truly special. Each element plays its own delicious part, building layers of flavor and creating that signature creamy texture and sunny appearance.

Ground Chicken: Lean, tender, and the perfect fresh canvas for herbs and spices in these Swedish-style meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Crucial for keeping each meatball soft and juicy, ensuring they don’t dry out as they cook.
Finely Chopped Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture, weaving flavor into every bite.
Large Egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together—no crumbly meatballs here!
Ground Allspice: Lends that classic, slightly sweet warmth that really sets this dish apart from other meatballs.
Ground Nutmeg: Gives a delicate nuttiness and subtle complexity for those signature Swedish vibes.
Garlic Powder: Easy to blend, it infuses the meatballs with mellow, savory base notes.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient, making sure nothing tastes flat or bland.
Black Pepper: Brings that little bit of gentle heat and earthiness to round out the flavor.
Olive Oil: Keeps the meatballs from sticking and helps them brown for that irresistible color and flavor.
Butter: The foundation for the rich, luxurious sauce—because everything’s better with butter.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce just right, giving it that velvety finish.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce and ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Sour Cream: Makes the sauce ultra-creamy with a gentle tang that keeps it light and luscious.
Worcestershire Sauce: The secret backbone of flavor—deep, slightly tangy, and utterly addictive.
Dijon Mustard: Zips up the sauce with mild sharpness and a touch of sophistication.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A shower of fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of green and an herby note to finish.

How to Make Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by gathering all your ingredients and grabbing a large bowl. Combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—you’re looking for a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture. Scoop out small portions and roll them gently in your hands to form 1-inch meatballs. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round—homemade charm is always better!

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Set a big skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the meatballs in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, turning gently as they cook for a golden exterior and so much flavor. When they’re browned, transfer them to a plate and keep them cozy while you move on to the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it, all those browned bits are pure gold!), melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk together to make a smooth roux, letting it cook for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, so no lumps remain. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring well, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. The sauce will start to thicken and become glossy.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Once the sauce is simmering away, lower the heat and stir in the sour cream. It will transform the sauce into a creamy, dreamy blanket that’s hard to resist. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if you’d like a little extra salt or pepper.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs

Return the browned meatballs (and any tasty juices) to the pan, nestling them gently into the sauce. Let them simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, spooning some sauce over each one, until they’re cooked all the way through and the sauce is thick and luscious. The aroma is going to make it hard to wait!

How to Serve Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

No Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe is complete without a generous shower of fresh parsley over the top. It adds a splash of color and a lively, fresh flavor to balance out the richness. For a little extra flair, try a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a grating of lemon zest just before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is endlessly adaptable and pairs well with plenty of sides. Serve your meatballs over pillowy egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice—all perfect vehicles for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, try a side of buttery green beans or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, turn the Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe into sliders with little brioche buns and crisp lettuce, or pile them into lettuce cups for a fresh spin. For parties, arrange the meatballs with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for a show-stopping appetizer that disappears in moments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, flavors mingling and deepening even more as they rest.

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, the fully cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) freeze beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag—just make sure to press out the extra air. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring your Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe back to life, gently reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through. The microwave also works in a pinch; just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a wonderful swap and keeps things just as tender and flavorful. Follow the recipe exactly as written, and you’ll be delighted with the result.

What can I use instead of sour cream in the sauce?

If you’re out of sour cream or need a lighter option, Greek yogurt works brilliantly. It gives that same tangy creaminess, or you could try crème fraîche for an extra-luxurious finish.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Chicken meatballs are safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can check with a quick-read thermometer, or simply cut one open – it should be opaque all the way through with no pink in the center.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the sauce, and you’ll have a comforting, gluten-free version of the Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. You can roll and refrigerate the uncooked meatballs up to a day in advance, or freeze them raw for longer storage. Just let them thaw before browning and proceed with the rest of the recipe whenever you’re ready.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe and share all that cozy flavor with your favorite people. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough to impress a crowd. Give it a try, have fun with your sides and garnishes, and enjoy every tender, saucy bite!

Chicken Swedish Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 5 reviews

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

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Description

These Chicken Swedish Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring tender ground chicken meatballs in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs in batches in olive oil until golden on all sides. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add chicken broth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and sour cream. Simmer until creamy.
Combine and Simmer: Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.