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🇸🇪 Swedish Chicken Meatballs

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A Lighter, Creamier Take on a Scandinavian Classic

When comfort food calls, few dishes answer like Swedish meatballs. Traditionally made with beef and pork, this cozy dish gets a lighter, healthier makeover in this recipe for Swedish Chicken Meatballs. Still irresistibly creamy, savory, and satisfying, this version uses lean ground chicken paired with a rich, homemade gravy that’s every bit as indulgent as the original.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even holiday gatherings, Swedish chicken meatballs are a delicious, family-friendly option that bring comfort and flavor to the table. Serve them over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist.

Ready in under 40 minutes and packed with protein, this dish is a comforting staple with a lighter spin that will win over even the pickiest eaters.

🧰 Recipe Preparation Equipment

To prepare Swedish chicken meatballs, you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 small)
  • Baking sheet or large skillet
  • Parchment paper (if baking)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large sauté pan or Dutch oven (for the gravy)
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 For the Chicken Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying, optional if baking)

🍲 For the Creamy Gravy:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

🍽 Optional for Serving:

  • Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
  • Lingonberry jam (classic Swedish pairing)

🍳 How to Make Swedish Chicken Meatballs

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, the soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, and parsley.
  3. Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

✅ Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Oven-Baked Method (Healthier & Easier):

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Using a scoop or hands, form mixture into 1½-inch balls (about 18–20 meatballs).
  3. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Skillet Method (More Traditional):

  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides, about 7–9 minutes total.
  3. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

✅ Step 3: Make the Creamy Gravy

  1. In a large pan or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
  5. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

✅ Step 4: Add Meatballs to Sauce

  1. Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the gravy.
  2. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to warm through.
  3. Stir gently to coat each meatball in the creamy sauce.

✅ Step 5: Serve

Serve hot over your favorite base — mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables. Garnish with parsley and a spoonful of lingonberry jam for the full Swedish experience.

🔄 Variations

  • Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened oat milk or almond milk in the meatballs and coconut cream or dairy-free creamer in the sauce.
  • Low-Carb: Use almond flour or pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and serve with cauliflower mash.
  • Make Ahead: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for easy reheating.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the meatballs for heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour or cornstarch in the gravy.

📝 Cooking Note

  • Ground chicken is lean and can dry out—don’t overcook.
  • The breadcrumb and milk mixture (called a panade) keeps the meatballs juicy.
  • Allspice and nutmeg are essential for that distinctive Swedish meatball flavor—don’t skip them!
  • If gravy thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Classic: Mashed potatoes + lingonberry jam
  • Hearty: Egg noodles or spaetzle with steamed green beans
  • Light: Over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
  • Brunch-style: Serve on toast with a poached egg
  • Appetizer: Stick with cocktail picks and serve with extra gravy for dipping

💡 Helpful Tips

  • Wet your hands before forming meatballs to prevent sticking.
  • Use a cookie scoop for even sizing.
  • Cook one small test meatball first to check seasoning.
  • Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
  • Let meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

🌟 Tips for the Best Swedish Chicken Meatballs

  1. Use dark meat chicken (or a mix) for more flavor and moisture.
  2. Chill the meatball mixture for 15–30 minutes before shaping if it feels sticky.
  3. Browning is optional but adds flavor — oven-baking is faster and neater.
  4. Deglaze the skillet used for meatballs with broth for extra flavor in the gravy.
  5. Simmer, don’t boil the gravy — too much heat can curdle the cream.

⏱️ Prep & Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

🍎 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1/4 of recipe)

  • Calories: 460
  • Protein: 31g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on serving base and variations.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the meatballs and gravy, then refrigerate in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q: Can I freeze Swedish chicken meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze meatballs and gravy separately for best results. Thaw overnight and reheat on stovetop.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a substitute, especially the 93% lean variety.

Q: What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with 1 tbsp butter is a good substitute, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Q: What makes Swedish meatballs different from Italian meatballs?

The seasoning! Swedish meatballs use allspice and nutmeg, and the creamy gravy (not tomato sauce) is their signature.

🏁 Conclusion

Swedish Chicken Meatballs are everything you want in a comfort food dish — hearty, creamy, and full of flavor — without being heavy or complicated. By using ground chicken, you lighten up the dish while keeping the rich Scandinavian essence intact.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, special occasions, or cozy Sunday dinners. With easy prep, customizable sides, and the ability to freeze, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again.

So grab a fork, spoon on that silky gravy, and dive into one of the most comforting meals you’ll ever make — with all the tradition and none of the guilt.

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