Chicken Chorizo Meatballs with Creamy Paprika Sauce
1. **Introduction:**
This Chicken Chorizo Meatballs dish with a rich, creamy paprika sauce offers a delightful blend of flavors. The spiciness of chorizo mixed with tender chicken, complemented by the creamy and smoky paprika sauce, creates an unforgettable meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.
2. **Ingredients:**
– **For the meatballs:**
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1/2 lb chorizo, crumbled
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
– **For the creamy paprika sauce:**
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. **Instructions/Preparation:**
**For the meatballs:**
1. **Prepare the meatball mixture:** In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, crumbled chorizo, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. **Shape the meatballs:** Form small, bite-sized meatballs from the mixture.
3. **Cook the meatballs:** Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
**For the creamy paprika sauce:**
1. **Sauté the garlic:** In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. **Add the broth:** Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan.
3. **Make the sauce:** Stir in the heavy cream and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Return the meatballs:** Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer for 2-3 more minutes.
4. **Cooking Methods:**
The meatballs are pan-fried for a crispy exterior and then simmered in a creamy sauce to soak up the flavors. This method ensures juicy, flavorful meatballs.
5. **Time:**
– **Preparation Time:** 15 minutes
– **Cooking Time:** 20 minutes
– **Total Time:** 35 minutes
6. **Serving:**
Serve the meatballs warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. They pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
7. **Nutritional Benefits:**
Chicken is a lean protein, and while chorizo adds a bit of fat, the smoked paprika and garlic offer antioxidant benefits. The dish is rich and satisfying, making it a great choice for a protein-packed meal.
8. **Conclusion:**
These Chicken Chorizo Meatballs with Creamy Paprika Sauce offer a comforting, flavor-packed meal. You can easily adjust the spice level by using milder or spicier chorizo, and for a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with a low-fat alternative. Enjoy!