# Homemade Chicken & Stuffing Meatballs with Gravy
## Introduction
If you’re craving comfort food, these chicken and stuffing meatballs are just the thing. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, they combine seasoned chicken with classic bread stuffing, onions, and celery, then get baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with rich gravy, these meatballs are hearty enough for dinner yet easy enough for weeknights.
They’re also incredibly versatile — serve them over mashed potatoes, with roasted vegetables, or even tucked into a sandwich for a “Thanksgiving sub” experience!
## Ingredients
### For the Meatballs:
* 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or turkey)
* 1 cup prepared stuffing mix (or bread crumbs seasoned with herbs)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 small onion, finely diced
* 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* ½ tsp paprika
* 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
* ½ tsp black pepper
* 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for pan-frying or baking spray if baking)
### For the Gravy:
* 3 tbsp butter
* 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken broth (warm)
* ½ tsp garlic powder
* ½ tsp onion powder
* ½ tsp poultry seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
* Salt & pepper, to taste
## Instructions
### Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, stuffing mix (or seasoned breadcrumbs), beaten egg, diced onion, chopped celery, parsley, and all seasonings.
2. Mix gently with clean hands or a wooden spoon until everything is just combined. (Do not overmix, or the meatballs may become dense.)
### Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
1. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into meatballs (about 1½ inches in size).
2. Place them on a plate or tray while you heat your pan.
### Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
* **Pan-Fry Method:** Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Lower heat, cover, and cook another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
* **Baking Method:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked.
### Step 4: Make the Gravy
1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Slowly whisk in warm chicken broth, a little at a time, until smooth.
3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
### Step 5: Combine & Serve
* Place cooked meatballs on a serving dish, pour rich gravy over the top, and serve warm.
## Serving Ideas
* Over creamy mashed potatoes with green beans.
* Inside a hoagie roll for a Thanksgiving-inspired sub.
* With roasted carrots and parsnips for a hearty plate.
* On their own as an appetizer with toothpicks!
## History & Inspiration
These meatballs are inspired by classic American Thanksgiving flavors — turkey, stuffing, and gravy — but in bite-sized form. They became popular as an easy alternative to roasting a whole bird, especially for smaller gatherings or weeknight meals. The idea likely took off in the early 2000s when comfort food mashups gained popularity.
## Benefits
* **High in protein** thanks to chicken.
* **Budget-friendly** — stretches simple ingredients into a filling dish.
* **Kid-friendly** — soft texture, savory flavor.
* **Meal-prep friendly** — make ahead and freeze for quick dinners.
## Nutrition (per serving, 4 meatballs + gravy, approx.)
* Calories: 350
* Protein: 24g
* Carbs: 18g
* Fat: 18g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sodium: 680mg
## Lovers of This Dish
* **Family dinners**: Kids love the tender texture, adults love the flavor.
* **Meal preppers**: Easy to freeze and reheat.
* **Holiday lovers**: Tastes like Thanksgiving without all the work.
## Conclusion
Chicken & stuffing meatballs with gravy are the ultimate comfort food mashup. They’re simple to make, versatile to serve, and packed with nostalgic holiday flavors. Whether you whip them up for a weekday dinner or add them to a festive spread, these meatballs will quickly become a family favorite.
