Print

French Onion Chicken Meatballs with Gruyère Toast

French Onion Chicken Meatballs with Gruyère Toast
Print Recipe

French Onion Chicken Meatballs with Gruyère Toast is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken meatballs infused with sweet caramelized onions and herbs. Paired with crispy, melted Gruyère cheese atop toasted rustic bread, this recipe offers a rich, savory experience with a perfect balance of textures. Ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, it’s easy to prepare yet delivers gourmet flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Gruyère Toast

  • 1 baguette or rustic bread, sliced thick
  • 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
  • Olive oil for toasting (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh thyme sprigs
  • Chopped chives
  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the yellow onions. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over low heat. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes until they turn golden brown and develop a sweet, fragrant aroma.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, caramelized onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, fresh thyme leaves, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Make sure they are uniformly sized for even cooking.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. If needed, finish cooking them in a preheated oven to ensure they are fully cooked.
  5. Prepare the Gruyère Toast: Slice the baguette or rustic bread into thick pieces and toast them lightly. Top each slice with a generous layer of grated Gruyère cheese. Broil in the oven until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Plate the meatballs alongside or on top of the Gruyère toast. Drizzle with pan juices or an optional balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a beautiful presentation and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Caramelize the onions slowly for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough texture.
  • Ensure meatballs are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
  • Use freshly grated Gruyère cheese for better melt and richer flavor.
  • Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier results.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion, chicken meatballs, Gruyère toast, caramelized onions, savory appetizer, comfort food

Find it online: https://sophiemelody.com/french-onion-chicken-meatballs-with-gruyre-toast/