This Marsala meatballs are so delicious, they're perfect for entertaining guests. Don't save them though for special occasions, your family will love them too.
1 1/2 lb. ground chicken
1/2 c. Panko bread crumbs
1 t. garlic powder
1 egg, beaten
kosher salt and black pepper
4 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 T. salted butter
2 c. sliced mushrooms
2 shallots, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 T. fresh thyme leaves
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 c. chicken broth
3/4 c. dry Marsala wine (or more chicken broth)
3/4 c. heavy cream
chili flakes
6 slices French bread
1/2 c. shredded Fontina cheese
Garlic Butter:
3 T. salted butter
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 c. mixed fresh herbs, sage, thyme, rosemary
In a bowl, combine the chicken, Panko, garlic powder, egg; season with salt and pepper; mix.
Coat hands with oil; roll meat mixture into tablespoon-sized balls, making about 15-16 meatballs.
Heat 2 T. olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs; cook until seared all over about 5-8 minutes.
Add 1 T. salted butter; allow butter to brown around the meatballs, about 2 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet.
Add 2 T. olive oil to the skillet; add mushrooms; cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until golden. Add 1 T. salted butter, shallots, garlic, and thyme; season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Cook 4-5 minutes, until fragrant. Add the balsamic vinegar; cook 2-3 minutes, until mushrooms have caramelized. Transfer half of the mushrooms from the skillet to the plate with the meatballs.
Pour in the Marsala wine and chicken broth; cook 5 minutes until reduced slightly; pour in the heavy cream. Add the meatballs; simmer 10 minutes, until cooked through.
Arrange the bread on a baking sheet; place in oven and toast for 10 minutes, until very dry. Switch the oven to broil.
Spoon the mushrooms over the meatballs; place the bread on and around the meatballs. Top evenly with the cheese. Broil until bubbly and golden brown, 3-5 minutes.
For the Garlic Butter:
In a small skillet, melt the butter with the garlic and mixed herbs until the garlic turns golden, about 3 minutes. Spoon the garlic butter over the French bread. Serve straight from the skillet.
6 servings.