Mediterranean Mouthwatering Creamy Bell Pepper Chicken Meatballs
These tender chicken meatballs simmered in a velvety bell pepper sauce are the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. The sweet peppers and smoked paprika give the dish a Mediterranean flair, while the creamy sauce makes it rich and satisfying. Serve it with rice, pasta, or warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop.
Time: 40 minutes (15 min prep, 25 min cooking)
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
500g minced chicken
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp milk
2 cloves garlic , finely chopped
1 tsp Italian herb blend
Salt & pepper
1 tbsp olive oil 🫒 (for frying)
For the Creamy Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion , thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper , thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper , thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup chicken stock
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp tomato paste
Salt & pepper
For Topping:
Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Make the Meatballs
In a mixing bowl, combine minced chicken, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch).
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until golden on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through yet). Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion until soft and golden.
Add sliced red and yellow bell peppers, cooking until tender (about 5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute.
Mix in tomato paste, then pour in chicken stock. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Add heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Combine & Serve
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving idea: Pair with buttered rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or pasta. A slice of warm bread makes it extra comforting.
Tips
Don’t overmix the meatballs: Just combine until everything holds together. Overmixing makes them dense.
Pre-shape and chill: If the mixture feels too sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before rolling.
Golden sear = flavor: Browning the meatballs before simmering adds depth to the sauce.
Cream balance: If you like a lighter sauce, use half cream and half milk.
Consistency fix: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken stock. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Variations
Cheesy Upgrade: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella inside the meatball mix for a melty surprise.
Spicy Twist: Swap smoked paprika for hot paprika or add a pinch of chili flakes.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach or zucchini slices toward the end of cooking.
Herb Swap: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can replace the Italian herb blend.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream for a lighter, slightly sweet Mediterranean touch.
Protein Change: Try turkey, beef, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15–18 minutes until golden, then add them to the sauce to finish cooking.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can cook the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat before serving. The flavors deepen overnight.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
A: Yes. Use low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and lean ground chicken breast for the meatballs.
Q: What side dishes go best with this recipe?
A: Steamed rice, buttered noodles, roasted potatoes, or fresh pita bread work perfectly to soak up the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g
Sodium: ~650mg
(Values are approximate and may vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Creamy Bell Pepper Chicken Meatballs are the kind of dish that feels both comforting and vibrant. The tender chicken meatballs soak up the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet pepper sauce, making every bite satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. Once you try it, this will likely become one of your go-to Mediterranean-inspired favorites.