Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce (Tefteli)

Discover a comforting and easy recipe for chicken meatballs in a creamy sauce. These juicy, tender ground chicken meatballs are made with rice, seasoned to perfection, and simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce with sour cream, paprika, and a touch of chicken broth. Perfect for a quick family dinner, these chicken meatballs are ideal served with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight meal or prepping ahead, these creamy chicken meatballs will become a family favorite. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Healthy, easy, and delicious – this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 to 1 1/4 lb ground chicken (preferably chicken thighs)
• 1 cup cooked white rice (cooled to room temperature)
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion (grated)
• 1 garlic clove (pressed)
• 1/2 tsp salt (sea salt preferred)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 cup flour (for dredging)
• 2 Tbsp oil (extra light olive oil works well)

For the Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream
• 1/2 to 1 tsp paprika (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, cooked rice, egg, grated onion, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
2. Roll the mixture into 1 to 1 1/4 inch meatballs. Once rolled, dredge the meatballs in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Carefully place the meatballs into the skillet, browning them for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip the meatballs using tongs, cover, and cook for another 3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue stirring until it turns golden brown.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt/cream) and season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and continue to cook until it thickens enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon. Add the meatballs back into the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the sauce.
7. Once the meatballs are heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve warm.

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Tips

• Make sure the rice is completely cooled before mixing it into the meatball mixture to avoid making the meatballs too sticky.
• If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
• You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. Just reheat them in the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the chicken for turkey for a leaner version.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free yogurt.
• If you prefer a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of sour cream.
• You can add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe as a leaner alternative to ground chicken.

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately. Once frozen, they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I make the meatballs less greasy?
A: If you prefer a less greasy version, you can bake the meatballs in the oven instead of pan-frying them. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these chicken meatballs with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
• For a fun twist, serve them with spaghetti or in a sandwich roll for a hearty sub.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously comforting: The tender chicken meatballs in a creamy, flavorful sauce make for the perfect hearty meal.
• Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious homemade dinner that’s sure to please everyone.
• Customizable: This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
• Perfect for meal prep: The meatballs and sauce can be made in advance and enjoyed throughout the week!