Description

This Chicken Meatball Cassoulet is a comforting twist on the classic French dish. Featuring tender chicken meatballs simmered with hearty white beans and aromatic vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken

½ cup breadcrumbs

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cassoulet:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, diced

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini or Great Northern)

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into 1-inch meatballs.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white beans, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Add Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sauce.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If the skillet is oven-safe, transfer it directly; if not, pour the mixture into a casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Serve: Remove from oven, discard bay leaf and thyme, and garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 28g