Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce | natashaskitchen.com

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

These chicken meatballs are tender, juicy and swimming in a super flavorful creamy sauce that coats each one just so. I know what you’re thinking, “I want these in my mouth now!” I don’t blame you. Now imagine a few of these lofty meatballs over a hefty bowl of buttered egg noodles… or atop a mountain of creamy mashed powtaters… or on toothpicks slowly making their way to your chops (don’t let the sauce hit your shirt on the way!).

Fun fact: In our weekly slang study (which doesn’t exist), we learn that calling someone a “meatball” is like calling them clumsy. So don’t be a “meatball” while eating your meatballs in the hood. I’m not sure I like where this is going… (please ignore the last few sentences).

Tefteli are like the Slavic version of Swedish meatballs. You’ll be happy to know these meatballs are quick and easy to whip up and they were a big hit with the kiddos! And they re-heat well. And you should buy a jar of crunchy baby dills to go with these. 

Watch How To Make Tefteli:

Ingredients for Chicken Meatballs (Tefteli):

1 – 1 1/4 lb ground chicken (I used ground chicken thighs)
1 cup cooked white rice, cooled to room temp or colder
1 large egg
1 small onion, grated
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 tsp salt (I used sea salt)
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 cup flour for dredging
2 Tbsp oil (I used extra LIGHT olive oil)

Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce-12

Ingredients for the Sauce:

2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup sour cream (or greek yogurt, or heavy cream)
1/2 to 1 tsp paprika (more if you like a little spice in your life)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce-6

How To Make Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 egg, grated onion, 1 pressed garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix well. Roll the meat into 1 to 1 1/4″ balls, then roll the balls in flour, dusting off excess. 

Three photos of a mixture for chicken meatballs being made

2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp oil. Transfer meatballs into the skillet and saute 4 minutes on the first side, then flip them over with tongs, cover and cook another 3 minutes or until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, then remove to a plate.

Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce | natashaskitchen.com

3. In the same pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp  butter then whisk in 2 Tbsp flour and continue mixing until golden in color. Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and stir until it starts to thicken. Add 1/4 cup sour cream and season to taste. I added: 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/8 tsp black pepper.

Three photos of a cream sauce for chicken meatballs being mixed

4. Bring sauce to a simmer and stir until sauce thickens enough to lightly coat a meatball then stir in the meatballs, turning them to coat (keep in mind sauce will thicken more as it cools). Once the meatballs are warmed up, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill.

Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. I loved them with pickles (there’s just something amazing about baby dills – let me know if you agree!).

Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce | natashaskitchen.com

Notes: I used my own KitchenAid meat grinder attachment and ground up some organic chicken thigh, but if you don’t have a meat grinder, you can use a good food processor or pre-ground chicken meat.  

Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce (Tefteli)

4.93 from 169 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce | natashaskitchen.com
These chicken meatballs are tender, juicy and swimming in a super flavorful creamy sauce that coats each one just so. These are quick and easy and reheat well.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 -8

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 - 1 1/4 lb ground chicken, I used ground chicken thighs
  • 1 cup cooked white rice, cooled to room temp or colder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 1 garlic clove, pressed
  • 1/2 tsp salt, I used sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup flour for dredging
  • 2 Tbsp oil, I used extra LIGHT olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup sour cream, or greek yogurt, or heavy cream
  • 1/2 to 1 tsp paprika, more if you like a little spice in your life
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, 1 cup cooked rice, 1 egg, grated onion, 1 pressed garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix well.
  • Roll the meat into 1 to 1 1/4" balls, then roll the balls in flour, dusting off excess.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp oil. Transfer meatballs into the skillet and saute 4 minutes on the first side, then flip them over with tongs, cover and cook another 3 minutes or until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, then remove to a plate.
  • In the same pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp butter then whisk in 2 Tbsp flour and continue mixing until golden in color. Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and stir until it starts to thicken. Add 1/4 cup sour cream and season to taste. I added: 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp sea salt 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  • Bring sauce to a simmer and stir until sauce thickens enough to lightly coat a meatball then stir in the meatballs, turning them to coat (keep in mind sauce will thicken more as it cools). Once the meatballs are warmed up, remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm.

Notes

I used my own KitchenAid meat grinder attachment and ground up some organic chicken thigh, but if you don't have a meat grinder, don't let that stop you! You can use a pre-ground chicken meat.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Russian, Ukrainian
Keyword: Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce, Tefteli
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Final Final Picmonkey Hashtag banner

Chicken Meatballs in a Cream Sauce | natashaskitchen.com

P.S. Here’s our other Tefteli recipe (which you all seem to love so much).

So, what’ll it be? Noodles or mashed potatoes? Or maybe you’re a baby dills type?

These chicken meatballs are delicious over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. An easy chicken dinner idea for a busy weeknight (30 minute meal) - A video recipe
4.93 from 169 votes (67 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Denise Kennedy
    January 31, 2025

    I made this and it is delicious!! And so easy. Wondering if you Could freeze the dish once made? Would it curdle the sour cream do you think?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      January 31, 2025

      Hi Denise! I haven’t tried freezing these, but I do think that could work. Although, I’m not sure how the sauce would freeze. Cream sauce does tend to change texture and separate when reheated.

      Reply

  • Natasha Ferris
    November 22, 2024

    Hi Natasha! Me again! Do you think the meatballs can be made a day in advance? Wanted to make this for thanksgiving but wanted to have the meatballs already prepared the day before. What do yo think?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 23, 2024

      Hi Natasha! Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and then add them to the sauce.

      Reply

  • Natasha Ferris
    November 16, 2024

    Hi Natasha! My family and I have had this recipe many times and LOVE it! Wondering if you think this can be made in the crockpot?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      November 16, 2024

      Hi Natasha! I haven’t tested this in a slow cooker, but imagine it would work. Let us know if you experiment.

      Reply

  • Mo
    September 19, 2024

    I definitely don’t recommend the Greek yogurt option….

    Reply

  • DAN
    August 19, 2024

    What am I missing. What is the serving size and calories per serving?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 19, 2024

      Number is servings is 6-8. Unfortunately, we have not added the Nutrition Label for this recipe yet as this is an old recipe but our new ones have them. This free Recipe Nutrition Calculator can be useful for you/

      Reply

  • Catherine Tone
    July 26, 2024

    Is there any nutritional information? Calories etc?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 26, 2024

      Hi Catherine, we are slowly working through all of our recipes to add nutrition info but it is a time consuming process as they have to be added one at a time. Thank you for being patient!

      Reply

  • Rob D
    May 6, 2024

    Excellent. I added some Worcestershire to the Meatballs.
    I liked the paprika. I used sweet Hungarian Szeged. Next time I might make more sauce and substitute Dill for the paprika.
    I Make your chicken tettrazini all the time!!

    Reply

  • Brandi
    March 24, 2024

    It took a really long time to cook and Sadly it wasn’t tasty for me… but my husband liked it. So at least that’s good. But I won’t make again.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      March 25, 2024

      Hi Brandi, I’m sorry it didn’t hit the mark for you. If you feel something went wrong or needs troubleshooting, please let me know and I will do my best to help.

      Reply

  • Lunch lady
    March 10, 2024

    This was very easy and tasty. I paired turkey meatballs and pickled beets. Thank you for the great idea.

    Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.