Description
Juicy ground chicken meatballs baked to golden perfection, nestled in a rich, caramelized French‑onion and mushroom sauce, topped with crusty bread and gooey Gruyère—a comforting twist on classic French onion soup.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1¼ pounds ground chicken
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1 slice soft whole grain bread, torn
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1 egg, beaten
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Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Onion Gravy:
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6 tablespoons salted butter
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3–4 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
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¾ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
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3 cloves garlic, chopped
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2 cups cremini or wild mushrooms, sliced
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2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
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2½ cups low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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¼ cup whole milk, cream, or canned coconut milk
For Assembly:
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6 slices French bread
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1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs:
Preheat oven to 450°F. In a bowl, mix ground chicken, crumbled bread, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs (~2 tablespoons each). Place on a greased baking dish and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden but not fully cooked. -
Caramelize the Onions:
While meatballs bake, melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft and golden, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. -
Build the Sauce:
Add wine to the caramelized onions and cook until reduced. Stir in garlic, mushrooms, thyme, and sage. Cook for 5 minutes, then pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Simmer the Meatballs:
Add the baked meatballs into the onion mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes or until fully cooked through. Stir in milk or cream and let it warm through. -
Finish with Bread and Cheese:
Top with toasted French bread slices and sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top. Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
Garnish with extra thyme or parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or beef.
For a richer sauce, use heavy cream. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Can be prepared in advance—just add the bread and cheese before broiling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Simmering, Broiling
- Cuisine: French-American