Quick & Zesty Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

My recent obsession with these delectable chicken meatballs surprised even my most adventurous cooking friends.

Juicy proteins blend seamlessly with aromatic herbs and subtle spices.

A quick kitchen experiment turned into something magical that everyone now requests.

Homemade sauces can elevate simple dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.

Honey mustard provides a sweet and tangy complement that makes each bite unforgettable.

Succulent morsels packed with flavor await anyone willing to try something new.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Chicken Mince: Lean and flavorful ground meat perfect for meatballs.

• Onion: Fresh and sharp vegetable for added flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent and aromatic ingredient for depth.
• Dried Thyme, Rosemary: Classic herbs with earthy and fragrant notes.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together.
• Salt: Essential seasoning for taste enhancement.

• Chicken Stock: Rich liquid base for the sauce.
• Honey: Sweet natural ingredient for sauce.
• English Mustard: Sharp and tangy condiment.
• Creme Fraiche: Creamy and smooth sauce thickener.

• Olive Oil: For coating and helping meatballs brown.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish and brightness.

How to Make Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Flavor Base

Grate the onion into a mixing bowl and combine with ground chicken.

This foundational step ensures deep, layered flavor throughout the meatballs.

Step 2: Enhance Aromatic Profile

Mash garlic into a fine paste using a pinch of salt as an abrasive agent.

Fold the garlic paste into the chicken mixture, distributing the intense flavor evenly.

Step 3: Build Meatball Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Dried thyme
• Rosemary
• Salt

Mix thoroughly to create a uniform and well-seasoned mixture.

Step 4: Shape Protein Spheres

Form the mixture into 10 uniform meatballs.

Slightly dampen your hands to prevent sticking.

Optional: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance structural integrity.

Step 5: Prepare for Cooking

Lightly coat meatballs with oil, ensuring complete coverage.

Choose your cooking method:

Oven: Bake at 435°F for 12-15 minutes

Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes

Step 6: Create Silky Sauce

Heat a large skillet over medium temperature.

Pour chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Honey
• English mustard
• Creme fraiche

Reduce heat and stir until smooth.

Step 7: Marry Meatballs with Sauce

Transfer cooked meatballs into the sauce, rolling to coat completely.

Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Verify internal meatball temperature reaches 165°F.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Serve immediately while warm and glossy.

Handy Tips for Juicy Chicken Meatballs

• Grate onions finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks in your meatballs, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture.
• Slightly dampen your hands with water when forming meatballs to stop the mixture from clinging to your fingers, making shaping easier and cleaner.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing ingredients to meld together and intensify the overall taste profile.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 73°C or 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked chicken without dryness.
• Gently roll meatballs in the honey mustard sauce to ensure complete and even coverage, maximizing flavor in every delicious bite.

Storage Tips for Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap meatballs separately from sauce in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place meatballs and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm meatballs gently in sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken stock if sauce seems dry. Heat until internal temperature reaches 74°C or 165°F.

Best Pairings for Honey Mustard Chicken Meatballs

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Beaujolais to complement the rich, herbal flavors of the chicken meatballs and cut through the creamy honey mustard sauce.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful side of caramelized root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes that match the golden, savory notes of the dish and provide textural contrast.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a fresh, peppery element that balances the richness of the meatballs and provides a zesty counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Offer a rustic sourdough or country-style bread to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Fun Twists on Honey Mustard Chicken Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain meatball texture while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap breadcrumbs with ground pork rinds or finely chopped cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content and creating a protein-rich alternative for ketogenic diets.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute creme fraiche with coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt, ensuring the sauce remains creamy while eliminating dairy ingredients for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Turkey Substitution: Replace chicken with ground turkey for a similar lean protein option, maintaining the recipe's original flavor profile and cooking method while offering variety.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. The recipe’s seasoning and cooking method remain the same.

• How do I know if the meatballs are cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 73°C or 165°F. This ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and fully cooked.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

If the sauce seems runny, simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken. You can also add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water to help it thicken faster.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients like mustard and stock are also gluten-free.

Why You’ll Want to Make These Chicken Meatballs

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up delicious chicken meatballs with minimal effort using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Enjoy flexibility by baking in the oven or using an air fryer, making this recipe adaptable to different kitchen setups and preferences.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine savory chicken meatballs with a creamy honey mustard sauce that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors in every bite.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare meatballs in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for convenient cooking and saving precious preparation time for busy households.

Chicken Meatballs With Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken meatballs drizzled with honey mustard sauce bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Delicate herbs and zesty seasonings create a quick, irresistible meal that satisfies your craving for comfort and excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 350 grams (12 ounces) minced chicken

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 75 grams (1/2 cup) onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 50 grams (3/4 cup) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce and Garnish:

• 175 milliliters (3/4 cup) chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon English mustard
• 150 grams (1/2 cup) creme fraiche
• fresh parsley (for finishing)

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Instructions

1. Grate the onion into a mixing bowl and combine with ground chicken, creating a foundational mixture.
2. Crush garlic into a fine paste using salt as an abrasive aid, then incorporate into the chicken blend.
3. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, dried thyme, rosemary, and salt into the mixture, thoroughly combining all ingredients with gentle folding motions.
4. Shape the blend into 10 uniform meatballs, using slightly dampened hands to prevent sticking and ensure smooth formation.
5. Lightly coat meatballs with oil, ensuring even coverage and preventing potential sticking during cooking.
6. Preheat oven to 220°C or air fryer to 200°C, then roast meatballs for 12-15 minutes in oven or 10-12 minutes in air fryer until golden and nearly cooked through.
7. While meatballs cook, prepare sauce by heating chicken stock in a skillet over medium temperature until it reaches a gentle simmer.
8. Whisk honey, English mustard, and creme fraiche into the simmering stock, creating a smooth, creamy sauce with balanced flavors.
9. Carefully transfer roasted meatballs into the sauce, gently rolling to ensure complete and even coating.
10. Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow meatballs to finish cooking and absorb sauce flavors for 5-7 minutes.
11. Verify internal meatball temperature reaches 73°C, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Grate onion finely to ensure even distribution of flavor and prevent large chunks in meatballs.
• Use slightly damp hands when forming meatballs to prevent sticking and create smooth, uniform shapes.
• Refrigerating meatballs for 24 hours before cooking helps them hold together better during cooking.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and perfectly cooked chicken.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Enhance sauce depth by adding a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra tang.
• Fresh herbs like parsley can be swapped with chives or basil for varied flavor profiles.
• Air fryer method provides a crispier exterior compared to oven-baking, reducing overall cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg