Tender chicken meatballs smothered in a rich and creamy garlic herb sauce, served over fluffy mashed potatoes with a side of vibrant steamed broccoli—comfort food at its finest. This hearty dish is perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the best of both worlds: satisfying flavor and wholesome ingredients. The chicken meatballs are juicy and flavorful, enhanced by parmesan and garlic. The creamy sauce adds richness, making the entire dish feel indulgent yet balanced thanks to the mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s comforting, simple to prepare, and sure to become a family favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
1/4 cup grated parmesan
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Mashed Potatoes:

4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
3 tbsp butter
Salt to taste

To Serve:

2 cups steamed broccoli florets
Extra parsley for garnish

directions

In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, parmesan, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into 1.5-inch balls.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add flour and stir to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, followed by heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Return the meatballs to the pan, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash with milk, butter, and salt until smooth.
Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender, about 5 minutes.
Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, with sauce generously spooned over. Add broccoli on the side and garnish with parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or more parmesan to the meatball mixture for extra richness.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
Herb Blend: Swap parsley for fresh thyme or chives for a different aromatic profile.
Vegetable Swap: Serve with green beans, peas, or roasted carrots instead of broccoli.
Low-Carb Option: Replace mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place the meatballs and mashed potatoes in a covered skillet or microwave-safe dish and warm gently, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
For freezing, freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and works just as well in this recipe.

How do I keep chicken meatballs from being dry?

Avoid overmixing and do not overcook. Adding milk and parmesan helps retain moisture.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through.

What type of cream should I use?

Heavy cream provides the richest result, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make the mashed potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, mashed potatoes can be made a day ahead and reheated gently with added milk or butter.

How do I prevent lumpy mashed potatoes?

Use a potato masher or ricer while the potatoes are still hot, and do not overmix to avoid gumminess.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives, and omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free version.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Try buttered noodles, rice, or even polenta as a base for the meatballs and sauce.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Simmer a few extra minutes or add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tsp each) for quick thickening.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, well-rounded meal that’s as flavorful as it is satisfying. With its smooth garlic cream sauce, tender meatballs, and creamy mashed potatoes, it offers the kind of homestyle goodness everyone craves. Add a side of steamed broccoli and you have a complete dish that’s perfect for both family dinners and cozy nights in.