Chicken Marsala Meatballs

I should have a series on my blog called “make it a meatball.” I love using ground turkey or chicken to make meatballs of different flavors. Why? Ground meat is inexpensive but high in protein and lean when using ground turkey, chicken, or 93% lean ground beef. I have recipes on my blog for turkey meatball curry, turkey teriyaki meatballs, slow cooker meatballs (a family favorite!), chicken picatta meatballs, chicken parmesan meatballs, and more! This latest meatball I’ve created is a recipe for chicken marsala meatballs. With creamy mashed potatoes and a savory mushroom gravy, these meatballs are so cozy and comforting and a great easy way to enjoy chicken marsala flavors in an even easier dish!

Ingredients for Chicken Marsala Meatballs

• Ground chicken or turkey: I use whatever is on sale at the store! Using ground meat keeps this cozy dinner inexpensive.
• Egg: Ground chicken and turkey are leaner proteins, the egg helps add moisture and works as a binder.
• Breadcrumbs: I like to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs but plain ones will also work.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: I prefer using the powdered spices in the meatballs verses the chopped fresh versions because they give a smoother meatball texture.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper will be measured going into the meatballs, but I just taste and add what’s needed to the sauce.
• Olive oil: I always add a tablespoon of olive oil to my turkey meatballs to add moisture since ground turkey is so lean.
• Butter: We are browning the meatballs in butter, then adding more butter to the pan before cooking the shallots, garlic, and mushrooms.
• Flour: Traditional chicken piccata is dredged in flour, but since we aren’t doing that, adding flour helps thicken the sauce.
• Mushrooms: Sliced cremini, white button, or mini portobello mushrooms will all work well in this recipe.
• Shallots: I love the flavor that the finely minced shallots give the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: I use three garlic cloves but you can use more or less in the sauce!
• Marsala wine: Marsala wine is a fortified Sicilian wine that has a robust flavor and is essential to this recipe!
• Chicken broth: I like adding chicken broth to the sauce to make sure there’s enough to go over my mashed potatoes too!
• Heavy cream: The key to a creamy sauce!

How to Make Chicken Marsala Meatballs

• In a large bowl, combine the meatball ingredients. Ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and olive oil. Form the mixture into meatballs, then melt the butter in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the skillet.
• While the meatballs are browning, slice the mushrooms, finely chop the shallots, and mince the garlic. Add some more butter to the skillet and cook the shallots and garlic first, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid. Add the flour and toss to coat before adding in the marsala wine, chicken broth, and cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, and season with salt and pepper.
• Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat with the sauce and serve over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate cozy dinner!

My kids smelled these chicken marsala meatballs cooking and immediately asked when dinner would be ready and then cleared their plates! That’s a huge win for this house, and I know everyone will love them in your house too!