Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs
Enjoy these tender chicken meatballs in a rich, zesty sauce that combines lemon pepper and cream for a delightful dining experience.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1/2 medium medium or 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, divided, two finely grated and two minced for the sauce
- 1/2 medium bunch fresh parsley, chopped, with 1 tablespoon reserved for garnish
- 1/2 cup unseasoned fine dried or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup whole or 2% milk, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning with salt, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
For Serving
- Cooked egg noodles, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Grate the onion into a large bowl. Finely grate 2 cloves of garlic into the bowl and chop the parsley, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
- Add the parsley, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, the egg, 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Stir until the breadcrumbs are moistened.
- Gently fold in the ground chicken until well combined and form the mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized meatballs. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking
- Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Sauce Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the remaining minced garlic and flour, stirring for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and chicken broth with the remaining lemon pepper seasoning, simmering until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Finishing Touch
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and coat them evenly. Bake for another 10 minutes or broil for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Garnish with the reserved parsley and serve with your choice of side.
Notes
For added moisture, don't skimp on the milk when mixing your meatball ingredients. Consider using fresh lemon juice in the sauce for a brighter flavor. You can also incorporate spinach or grated carrots into the meatballs for additional nutrition, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can enhance the heat in the sauce.