Stepping into a cozy Swedish kitchen, I can practically smell the warmth of Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight wafting through the air, a true comfort food dream come alive. These tender chicken meatballs, hugged by a luscious creamy sauce, transform any weeknight dinner into a heartwarming gathering. What I adore about this recipe is its effortless prep combined with an air of elegance, making it perfect for both intimate family meals and lively get-togethers. Plus, it’s a healthier twist on the classic that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Are you ready to discover just how simple and satisfying it is to whip up these delightful meatballs? Why You’ll Crave Chicken Swedish Meatballs? Comforting Delight: These Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill bring all the warmth of traditional comfort food right to your table, making every bite feel like a hug. Effortless Elegance: With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that feels gourmet, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Flavorful Twist: The creamy dill sauce adds a fresh dimension, elevating the classic meatball experience; it’s a unique flavor combo you’ll love! Versatile Serving Options: Whether paired with buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish adapts beautifully to your family’s preferences. Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare a batch to enjoy later—these meatballs hold up well in the fridge and freeze wonderfully, making meal planning a breeze! Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight Ingredients For the Meatballs • Ground Chicken – This lean protein keeps the meatballs moist; combine breast and thigh for the best flavor. • Plain Breadcrumbs or Panko – Provides structure; use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. • Whole Milk – Adds moisture; you can opt for dairy-free alternatives if needed. • Onion (finely grated) – Enhances sweetness and depth; grating helps distribute the flavor evenly. • Garlic (minced) – Boosts the flavor profile, making every bite delightful. • Egg – Binds the mixture, keeping the meatballs from falling apart. • Fresh Dill – The star ingredient adds a fresh twist; substituting with other herbs will change the traditional flavor. • Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your personal taste. • Ground Nutmeg (optional) – Adds a warm and comforting depth to the flavor. For the Creamy Sauce • Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil – Used for browning meatballs; both options add richness. • All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the sauce to create a rich, creamy consistency. • Low Sodium Chicken Broth – The perfect base for your sauce, infusing it with savory flavor. • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half – Creates a luscious texture; use a lighter dairy option for a reduced calorie version. • Dijon Mustard – Packs a tangy punch that deepens the sauce’s flavor. • Worcestershire Sauce – Intensifies the umami flavor, making the dish even more satisfying. • Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness. • Extra Fresh Dill – For garnish, adding color and flavor just before serving. Serving Suggestions • Egg Noodles or Mashed Potatoes – The classic companions for your meatballs; choose what your family loves! • Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Root Vegetables – Add a fresh, healthy side for balance. Give this Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight a whirl, and watch as it becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture Begin by soaking the breadcrumbs in whole milk for about 5 minutes to ensure they are moist. In a large mixing bowl, combine your soaked breadcrumbs with ground chicken, finely grated onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh dill, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Gently mix until just combined; be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender. Step 2: Shape and Brown Meatballs Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add unsalted butter or olive oil. Once hot, place the meatballs in the skillet without overcrowding. Brown them for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Step 3: Make the Sauce In the same skillet, continue the deliciousness by melting additional butter to create a roux. Sprinkle all-purpose flour into the melted butter and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in low-sodium chicken broth, followed by heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens nicely. Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce Gently return the browned chicken meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the velvety sauce. Use a spoon to coat the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly covered. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meatballs are cooked through. Step 5: Finish and Serve Stir in the remaining chopped dill to brighten the flavor of your Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Garnish with extra fresh dill for a pop of color and serve over fluffy egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes to invite warmth and comfort to your table. Expert Tips for Chicken Swedish Meatballs Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and avoid a dense texture that can happen from overworking. Brown in Batches: For even cooking, brown the meatballs in small batches. This prevents overcrowding and allows for a nice golden crust. Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth or cream until you achieve your desired consistency for the Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill. Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill provides the best flavor and aroma. If using dried, reduce the amount as it’s more concentrated. Meatball Size Matters: Keeping meatballs uniform in size helps them cook evenly. Aim for 1½-inch balls to ensure perfect cooking times across the batch. What to Serve with Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight? Transform your meal into a cozy feast with these comforting and delightful pairings that perfectly complement each bite of creamy meatballs. Buttered Egg Noodles: The classic accompaniment that soaks up the creamy sauce and adds a delightful texture to each forkful. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Offering a fluffy and rich base, these potatoes provide a comforting backdrop that pairs beautifully with the meatballs’ sauce. Steamed Green Beans: Bright and crisp, they add a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish, bringing balance to the plate. Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized and sweetened by roasting, these veggies bring earthy flavors that harmonize wonderfully with the dill sauce. Garlic Bread: Warm, toasty bread on the side is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience. Crisp Side Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, adding a refreshing element that complements the hearty flavors. Crisp White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc can elevate your meal, balancing the richness of the sauce while enhancing the dill flavors. Apple Crisp: For dessert, this warm and sweet treat provides the perfect ending, pairing its comforting flavors with the meal’s nostalgic essence. Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight Variations Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into this recipe, transforming it to suit your taste and dietary needs! Slow Cooker: Use a slow cooker for a hands-off approach—just combine all ingredients and let them simmer on low for 6–8 hours. Perfect for busy days! Casserole Twist: Layer cooked noodles with meatballs and sauce in a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until golden for a comforting casserole delight. This elevates the dish while keeping it simple! Ground Turkey: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey for a lighter yet just as flavorful option, making this dish even more versatile. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to maintain the dish’s comforting texture without gluten. Your family won’t even notice the difference! Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk and cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version that’s just as delicious. Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley instead of dill for a new flavor profile. Each herb will bring an exciting twist to the dish. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy enhancement that offers a delightful surprise. Vegetable Boost: Mix in finely chopped spinach or grated zucchini to the meatball mixture for added nutrition, keeping the same amazing flavor while sneaking in some veggies. If you’re feeling adventurous, these variations will ensure each meal feels fresh and inviting. And for other comforting recipes, check out Grilled Chicken Bacon or our delightful Alfredo Cream Cheese! Storage Tips for Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to maintain texture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs directly in the creamy sauce for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and label them with the date for reference. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making meal prep a breeze! Make Ahead Options These Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight are perfect for making ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a heartwarming meal even on the busiest nights! You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them up to 24 hours in advance, placing them on a baking sheet and covering tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. To maintain their quality, avoid overcrowding while browning, ensuring that they stay tender. When ready to serve, simply cook them in the sauce as directed, allowing for an effortless finish. Just reheat and serve over your choice of egg noodles or mashed potatoes, and you’ll have a delicious meal with minimal effort! Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight Recipe FAQs What type of ground chicken should I use for the meatballs? I recommend a combination of ground chicken breast and thigh for the best flavor and moisture. The breast keeps them lean while the thigh adds richness, creating that perfect balance in each meatball. How should I store leftover chicken Swedish meatballs? Leftover Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing to keep their texture intact. Can I freeze chicken Swedish meatballs? How? Absolutely! To freeze, simply place the cooked meatballs in their creamy sauce in freezer-safe containers. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat. What if my meatballs are falling apart while cooking? If the meatballs are falling apart, it may be due to the mixture being too wet or overmixed. Next time, ensure your breadcrumbs are adequately soaked but not overly soggy, and mix the ingredients just until combined. You can also add a bit more breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Yes! If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free options, and use dairy-free milk or cream alternatives to accommodate lactose intolerance. Always check ingredient labels for allergens, especially if serving to guests. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes meal prep easier and allows the flavors to meld nicely as they sit. Make sure to cover them tightly to keep them fresh! Savor Homemade Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight Experience the comfort of Chicken Swedish Meatballs with Dill Delight, a healthier twist on a classic dish that transforms any dinner into a heartwarming meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: SwedishCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meatballs1 lb Ground Chicken Combine breast and thigh for best flavor.1 cup Plain Breadcrumbs or Panko Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.1/2 cup Whole Milk Dairy-free alternatives can be used.1 medium Onion Finely grated.2 cloves Garlic Minced.1 large Egg Binds the mixture.1/4 cup Fresh Dill Star ingredient.1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.1/2 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg Optional.For the Creamy Sauce2 tbsp Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil For browning meatballs.2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Thickens the sauce.2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Base for the sauce.1 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half For a lighter version, use a lighter dairy option.1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Adds tangy flavor.1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Enhances umami flavor.1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Brightens the sauce.1/4 cup Extra Fresh Dill For garnish.Serving Suggestions4 servings Egg Noodles or Mashed Potatoes Choose based on family preference.2 cups Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Root Vegetables Healthy side options. Equipment SkilletMixing bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsSoak the breadcrumbs in whole milk for about 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine soaked breadcrumbs with ground chicken, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, fresh dill, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium heat with butter or oil. Brown the meatballs for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.In the same skillet, melt additional butter to create a roux. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick.Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F.Stir in remaining dill. Adjust seasoning, garnish with extra dill, and serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesDon’t overmix meat to keep meatballs tender, brown in batches for an even crust, and use fresh dill for best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
