This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
These plump and juicy chicken meatballs are delicious over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. This is an easy chicken dinner idea for a busy weeknight and it comes together in less than 30 minutes. This is one of the top rated recipes on our blog (5-stars, 24 reviews) and we want you to see just how easy it is with this quick video. The flavors of the sauce are similar to that of Swedish meatballs but this is the slavic version, a.k.a. Tefteli.
Let’s go back in time to the old country (Ukraine) when I was a toddler. Most folks were poor and there was a huge separation between upper and lower class citizens with a very small margin for the middle class. I remember my Mom telling me stories of how she had to get up early to get milk at the market or they would sell out and there would be no milk to bring home (Mom had 5 kids under age 6 so she wisely made arrangements to buy milk from the neighbor’s cow). Ingredients, especially in wintertime, were scarce.
Times were difficult but out of that struggle, delicious things were created with common and inexpensive ingredients. Take this chicken meatballs recipe for example, It’s bulked up with rice so it’s less expensive to make for a large family but the flavor and texture are really good! Many of my recipes are that way and I love that about Slavic food – taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly delicious. I think these will win you over.
Chicken Meatballs Video Tutorial:
I hope you enjoy this episode from our cooking channel. and be the first to see our videos. P.S. Can you spot the baby? I had no idea she was there while we were filming, but I do think she’s my favorite part of the show :).
Watch How To Make Chicken Meatballs:
CLICK HERE to Print Chicken Meatball Recipe.
Thank you so much for watching and have a happy week! 🙂
Hi Natasha!
Can you tell me what brand are you pots and pans? Like in this video the skillet is so nice and big. I’m looking for something like this. Thank you!
Hi Lulu, I have pots and pans from all over the place! This large deep one that you see in the video is actually a Kirkland brand, comes with a lid and was sold in a large pack of Kirkland brand pots and pans. I have since given away most of them and kept this one because of it’s size.
do you have the written version instead of the video. don’t know why people only do the videos’s. dislike the videos. as I always save mainly all your recipies except the videos and I want to try this 1 out
Hi Susan, It’s not always possible to do both because of time constraints but luckily we do have this one in photo format as well. Yay!! I have a link in the post above but you can also get there by clicking here.
Love the videos, keep ’em coming
Thank you so much Sandra! 🙂
Love the baby crawling out in the background at the end of the video. That was great 🙂
Will be making these tonight, thanks for your awesome video recipes.
Ha ha! Yeah I’m so glad we didn’t try to re-film that scene! 😉
Thank you for this recipe. I’m going to make them for my nephews wedding on 9-10-16,can’t wait. My family likes your website.
Olga, you are very welcome and I’m happy to hear that our website is a blessing to your family 😀.
It would be nice if you could include video and a written out recipe. I don’t like watching videos but I’m sure some people do. This way everybody can enjoy your blog
Veronica, I have a link to the written out recipe below the video. Click here to view the step by step written out instructions. Hope this helps ?.
What you adding in 2:10 time of video?
Im not really understand 🙂
Can i get printable version for all ingredient ?
Hi there! Absolutely, I always have a print friendly (I have the link next to the video player in this post), or click here to print the recipe and see the step by step photo tutorial.
Just made these yesterday and can’t get over how juicy they are in the sauce! I have always made kotleti but they dont always turn out juicy, so this will be my go to recipe now:) Thanks a lot:)
My 4.5 yo daughter loves these chicken meatballs. I ended up buying the meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer literally just because of this recipe. I buy the chicken thighs, grind them through the thing twice and follow the rest of the recipe. I just add more spices than what you have (like more paprika, some chili powder, some dill and some coriander and ground cloves to the chicken meatball itself). The sauce I kept exactly the same. 🙂 Again, thank you soooo much for this recipe!
That is so great to hear! That is the best feeling when our kids love what we Mamas make :). Thank you for sharing that with us! 🙂
where are the list of ingredients and directions? Viewers whom wish to copy and the recipe into software are unable to do so!!
I utilize Cook’n software to capture and store recipes.
Hi Dan, I always make it easy for my readers to access the recipes. Please note there are two links to the print friendly recipe in this post (one in the firs paragraph) and one just after the video.
Ooo Cook’n software. Im going to have to try that out.
I love it so yummy im gonna try these.I Love the part where the baby came crawling in the back awwwww xxxxzz
Ha ha, thanks! I think she stole the show 🙂
can you please write the recipes in a printable version? I have a collection of internet recipes and this is definitely going there
Hi Patrick, good news! I have a printable version for all of my recipes :). The link is in the post but here it is in case you missed it: https://natashaskitchen.com/2014/03/01/chicken-meatballs-in-a-cream-sauce-tefteli/
OMG absolutely delish! Thank you for the recipe.
You are welcome, I’m glad you liked it 😀.
I made this for dinner tonight. We loved it! I did substitute ground turkey for ground chicken because we have a wonderful supplier of turkey products in our area and it’s easier to come by. Other than that I didn’t change a thing.
I’m so happy to hear you loved it! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Good video, adorable baby, I’ve made your chicken and mushrooms (Chicken Gloria) many times and so I’m sure this will be a hit too.
Thank you Angharad and I would love to hear your review once you give this recipe a try 😀.
Delicious recipe and adorable baby! 🙂
Thank you Tatyana 😊.
Hello Natasha,i made this recipe and it was “the lunch of envy” at work!!I was wondering what is the make and size of the frying pan you use,as currently i dont have any with covers and was looking to get one.Thank you.
I’m so happy you liked it!! The pan I have is from a set from Costco. It is a 5 1/2 Qt and is very similar to this one on Amazon.
Hi Natasha. I will surely try this new recipe of yours. I have been a fan of your Chicken and Mushroom Casserole. I’ve cooked it several times already. It’s a big hit with my family. I’m sure they will love this meatball recipe. Oh, i’ve spotted the Baby :). She’s so cute and adotable!
I’m so happy to hear that! And thank you for the sweet compliment. I agree and can’t get enough of her 🙂
Hi Natasha! Love your blog. Made your prime rib for Xmas and made these meatballs two nights ago with ground turkey. Doubled the sauce to serve on white rice with a side of mashed potatoes. So tender and delicious.
Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much Robin for the awesome reviews! I’m so happy you’re enjoying my recipes 🙂
My husband is lactose intolerant. do you have any ideas what I could add to sauces to make them creamy. These meatball look delicious.
I suppose you could just omit the sour cream and have a lighter sauce. It would still work. The only lactose free substitute I’ve tried is heavy cream so I’m not sure what else to suggest.
This looks perfect for tonight, Natasha!
Love the gravy. Looks like such a comforting meal.
Thank you so much Coco! I hope you love it 🙂