Hearty Chicken Meatball Cassoulet Recipe That Warms the Soul

Crafting a hearty chicken meatball cassoulet brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Rustic French countryside flavors dance through each carefully seasoned bite.

Tender chicken meatballs nestle perfectly among creamy white beans and aromatic herbs.

Mediterranean ingredients mingle with classic slow-cooking techniques that promise deep, satisfying warmth.

Rich layers of texture emerge as each component melds together deliciously.

Fragrant rosemary and thyme whisper countryside memories into every spoonful.

Savor this soul-warming dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Ingredients for Chicken Meatball Cassoulet

• Ground Chicken: Lean meat that forms the base of the flavorful meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory and salty depth to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold the meatballs together and adds texture.
• Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the meatballs.

• Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Broth: Create a rich and flavorful liquid base for the cassoulet.
• Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide depth and complexity to the dish.
• White Beans: Add protein, texture, and a creamy element to the cassoulet.

• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Provide subtle herbal notes and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing the vegetables.

Easy Steps for a Cozy Chicken Cassoulet

Step 1: Mixing Meatball Magic

• Ground chicken
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix everything together and form small round meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Sizzling Meatball Browning

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the meatballs into the hot pan and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides.

This process takes about 5-7 minutes and adds incredible flavor.

Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 3: Vegetable Flavor Foundation

• Diced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Sliced celery
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.

This typically takes 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Creating Flavor-Packed Liquid Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• White beans

Drop in fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf.

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Baking Meatball Cassoulet

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable and broth mixture.

Cover the skillet and transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the meatballs are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Serving Spectacular Cassoulet

Remove the bay leaf and thyme stems before serving.

Ladle the hearty cassoulet into warm bowls, ensuring each serving has meatballs, vegetables, and broth.

Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum deliciousness.

Tips to Elevate a Simple Cassoulet

• Avoid overworking the chicken mixture when forming meatballs to keep them tender and light.
• Use a hot skillet with just enough oil to create a golden crust on meatballs without burning.
• Choose white beans like cannellini or Great Northern for authentic cassoulet texture and creamy consistency.
• Ensure chicken meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

How to Save and Reheat This Cassoulet Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Pack cooled meatball cassoulet in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months without losing taste quality.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Pour leftovers into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated completely throughout.

What Goes Great with Chicken Cassoulet

• Wine Pairing: Uncork a light-bodied Pinot Noir or crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, savory chicken meatballs and hearty cassoulet flavors.
• Bread Companion: Slice a rustic sourdough or crusty French baguette to soak up the delicious tomato and herb-infused broth, adding textural contrast.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to brighten the dish with a zesty, aromatic finish that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Side Salad Suggestion: Toss a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting cassoulet.

Versions to Try for a Fresh Take on Cassoulet

• Lean Protein Alternative: Replace chicken meatballs with turkey meatballs for a lower-fat option while maintaining similar flavor profile and cooking method.
• Vegetarian Cassoulet: Swap chicken meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or tofu, keeping the vegetable and bean base intact for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in meatballs and ensure all ingredients like broth are certified gluten-free for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and kalamata olives into the meatball mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor transformation that adds depth and complexity to the traditional recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute and provides a similar texture and flavor profile for the meatballs.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free. Regular breadcrumbs contain wheat.

• How can I make the meatballs more moist?

Add a splash of milk or olive oil to the ground chicken mixture to ensure the meatballs stay tender and juicy during cooking.

• What if I don't have fresh thyme?

Dried thyme is an excellent alternative. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for the same herb flavor in the cassoulet.

Chicken Meatball Cassoulet Flavor Boosts

• Simplify your cooking process by using a single skillet for browning, sautéing, and baking, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess.
• Enjoy a hearty, nutritious dish that combines lean ground chicken, protein-rich beans, and wholesome vegetables in one satisfying meal.
• Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy weekend meal that appeals to both adults and kids with its rich, comforting flavors.

Delicious Chicken Meatball Cassoulet Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

French countryside comforts shine through this hearty Chicken Meatball Cassoulet, blending rustic charm with savory depth. Rich layers of tender meatballs, white beans, and aromatic herbs invite you to savor a classic French culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cassoulet Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern)
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf

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Instructions

1. Craft tender chicken meatballs by gently blending ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form compact spheres approximately one inch in diameter.
2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully sear meatballs until golden brown on all surfaces, rotating periodically for even coloration (roughly 5-7 minutes). Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until vegetables soften and release aromatic flavors, approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Introduce diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white beans, fresh thyme, and bay leaf into the vegetable mixture. Allow ingredients to merge and simmer gently.
5. Nestle previously browned meatballs into the simmering liquid, ensuring each piece is partially submerged. Cover the skillet and transfer to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, confirming meatballs are thoroughly cooked with no pink interior. Carefully remove bay leaf and thyme stems before serving this rustic, comforting dish piping hot.

Notes

• Choose lean ground chicken for a healthier protein option that keeps the meatballs tender and light.
• Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to prevent tough, dense texture; use a gentle folding technique when combining ingredients.
• Prep vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the cassoulet.
• Substitute white beans with chickpeas or lentils for variety, making the dish adaptable to different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg