If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and sophisticated, you’ve just found a winner. The Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs for Quick Dinner Bliss Recipe brings together tender, juicy meatballs infused with vibrant lemon pepper seasoning, all nestled in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s ready in just about 35 minutes. This dish perfectly balances bright citrus notes with creamy indulgence, making it an absolute feast that turns any busy evening into a delightful culinary escape.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet incredibly important to bring out the full flavor, texture, and freshness of the dish. Each one plays a crucial role—from the aromatic punch of garlic to the creamy richness provided by milk and butter, it’s a well-rounded list that guarantees delicious results every time.
- 1 medium Yellow Onion: Adds moisture and sweetness; shallots can replace it for a milder flavor.
- 2 cloves Garlic: Provides aromatic depth; fresh cloves deliver the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness; basil or cilantro can substitute.
- 1 cup Unseasoned Breadcrumbs: Binds the meatballs and gives texture.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Enhances richness in the meatballs and sauce.
- 1 large Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances flavor; adjust according to dietary needs.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Infuses zesty flavor into the meatballs.
- 1 pound Ground Chicken: The main protein source; turkey is a leaner alternative.
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich sauce; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce; cornstarch mixed with water works for gluten-free.
- 1 cup Low-sodium Chicken Broth: Adds depth and flavor; vegetable broth can be utilized.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs for Quick Dinner Bliss Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Grate the yellow onion and garlic finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meatballs, adding both moisture and fragrant depth. In a large bowl, mix these with fresh parsley, unseasoned breadcrumbs, milk, egg, lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt. This mixture will give the meatballs their delicious flavor and perfect texture.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Gently fold the ground chicken into the bowl, being careful not to overwork the mixture—this keeps the meatballs tender. Once combined, form the mixture into approximately 2-tablespoon sized meatballs and arrange them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. This size ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the preheated oven and bake them for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, which means they’re safe to eat but still wonderfully moist on the inside.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the meatballs bake, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and all-purpose flour, cooking for about a minute until fragrant to create a flavorful roux. Slowly whisk in the remaining milk, chicken broth, and a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency—this will be the luscious finish your dish needs.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Baking
Carefully transfer the baked meatballs to the skillet with the creamy lemon pepper sauce, gently turning them to coat in all that deliciousness. Pop the skillet back into the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final step lets the flavors meld beautifully and the sauce soak into the meatballs, creating that unforgettable Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs for Quick Dinner Bliss Recipe experience.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs for Quick Dinner Bliss Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or even some lemon zest add brightness and a pop of color right before serving. A light dusting of cracked black pepper can also enhance the peppery zing for those who love a bit more bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes, garlic butter noodles, or even a fluffy bed of rice to soak up the sauce. For extra veggies, steamed green beans or a crisp salad offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, you can serve these meatballs on toasted baguette slices as an appetizer, topped with a drizzle of the creamy sauce and a sprig of fresh parsley. Alternatively, try layering them over zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that still delivers all the flavor and comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the meatballs cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce absorbs beautifully into the meatballs overnight, often making them even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs without the sauce on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating with fresh sauce.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also warm them in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative and works perfectly in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary slightly depending on the fat content.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, you can swap milk for unsweetened almond or coconut milk and use olive oil instead of butter. Use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
Can these meatballs be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Replace the unseasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and use cornstarch mixed with water instead of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
How spicy is the lemon pepper seasoning?
Typically, lemon pepper seasoning offers a bright citrus flavor with a mild peppery kick, but its heat level can vary by brand. Adjust the amount to suit your taste or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a little more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency. Warm it gently to avoid curdling.
Final Thoughts
If you want to elevate your dinner routine with something both quick and deeply satisfying, the Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs for Quick Dinner Bliss Recipe is an absolute must-try. Its balance of bright, tangy flavors with rich creaminess makes it a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make it and enjoy every comforting bite as much as I do!
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Creamy Lemon Pepper Chicken Meatballs for Quick Dinner Bliss Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful dinner featuring tender ground chicken meatballs seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and baked to perfection. These meatballs are complemented by a rich, creamy lemon pepper sauce, making a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 medium Yellow Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
- 1 cup Unseasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 pound Ground Chicken
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose Flour
- 2 cloves Garlic (additional, for sauce)
- 1/2 cup Milk (remaining from total 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning (remaining from total 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup Low-sodium Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: Grate the yellow onion and garlic finely. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion and garlic with chopped parsley, unseasoned breadcrumbs, milk, egg, lemon pepper seasoning, and kosher salt. Mix until well incorporated.
- Add Ground Chicken and Form Meatballs: Add the ground chicken to the bowl and gently mix everything together until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 2-tablespoon sized meatballs and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Make Creamy Sauce: While the meatballs bake, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant and the mixture forms a roux.
- Finish Sauce: Gradually whisk in the remaining milk, lemon pepper seasoning, and low-sodium chicken broth. Simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Place the baked meatballs into the skillet with the creamy lemon pepper sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- To make the dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a cornstarch slurry and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For a lighter option, replace unsalted butter with olive oil in the sauce.
- Shallots can be used instead of yellow onion for a milder flavor.
- Basil or cilantro are great alternatives to parsley for different fresh herb notes.
- Ensure meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
