Get ready to fall head over heels with Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, a mouthwatering twist on a modern classic! Imagine juicy, tender chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, all dazzled with fresh basil. It’s the kind of dish that’s meant to impress, but simple enough for a weeknight treat. Whether you’re whipping these up for a romantic dinner or as a family favorite, Marry Me Chicken Meatballs have that irresistible, “where have you been all my life?” magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The lineup for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is simple, but oh-so purposeful. Each ingredient brings its own charm, lending layers of flavor, creaminess, and color to a dish that tastes as inviting as it looks. Here’s what you’ll need to make this meal truly unforgettable:
- Ground chicken: The foundation for our meatballs—tender, juicy, and light, perfect for soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to both the meatballs and the sauce for irresistible savoriness.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: Provides structure and a hint of herby goodness to the meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as the binder, keeping your meatballs perfectly tender and moist.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Essential for aroma and an underlying warm, savory zing in both the meatballs and sauce.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses that classic medley of herbs you crave with any Italian-inspired meal.
- Salt and black pepper: Lifts and balances all those lovely flavors.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs to golden perfection and lending fruity undertones.
- Butter: Makes the sauce rich and just slightly silky.
- Chicken broth: Gives the sauce body and a slight boost of umami.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luxurious, creamy texture you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Sweet-tart little gems that add gorgeous color and a pop of flavor to every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch for those who like a gentle, romantic heat in their sauce.
- Dried thyme: Brings in an earthiness that melds beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): A sprinkle of green that wakes up the whole dish with freshness and aroma.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining ground chicken, Parmesan, seasoned breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything—don’t overwork it or your meatballs might get tough. The mixture should feel a little sticky, but that’s what makes for soft, delicate meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Scoop out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of mixture at a time and gently roll it into balls. You’ll get roughly 18 to 20 meatballs, just the right size for a hearty meal or perfect appetizers. Set them on a plate as you work.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer (work in batches if needed), turning every couple of minutes so all sides turn golden and crisp. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they’re fully cooked through, transfer them to a plate—don’t worry about any browned bits left in the pan; that’s flavor gold for your sauce!
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and then add the minced garlic. Let it sauté until fragrant, about a minute—nothing beats the smell of garlic hitting hot butter! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious bits from the bottom. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 5: Stir in Creaminess and Flavor
Lower the heat a bit and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and thyme. Let the sauce gently bubble for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly; this is where the magic happens as the flavors meld.
Step 6: Return Meatballs to the Sauce
Nestle the meatballs back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over each one. Let them simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Right before serving, scatter chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
Don’t hold back—top your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with a generous flourish of freshly chopped basil and an extra snowfall of grated Parmesan for good measure. It’s the finishing touch that makes your skillet look as amazing as it smells.
Side Dishes
These meatballs are the ultimate match for a twirl of buttery pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a scoop of fluffy rice. If you want something lighter, scoop them onto a bed of sautéed spinach or crisp roasted veggies. Fresh, crusty bread is another winner for sopping up all that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the main dish! For a party, serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs as luxe cocktail skewers. Want an unforgettable sandwich? Pile them onto toasted rolls with a spoonful of sauce and some melty mozzarella. Or, make mini meatball sliders for brunch or a cozy movie night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs completely, then transfer them with extra sauce to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days—if you can resist sneaking early bites!
Freezing
You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them either fully cooked (without sauce) or raw. Lay them out on a baking sheet so they don’t stick, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, either thaw overnight and cook as usual, or drop frozen, cooked meatballs directly into the bubbling sauce to reheat.
Reheating
Warm leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway, until everything’s steamy and luscious again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and pork work beautifully in place of chicken, letting you customize the dish to your taste or what’s on hand in your fridge. The flavor profile remains just as dreamy.
How can I make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
Simply swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. The flavor and texture will still be spot on.
What’s the best way to get my meatballs super tender?
Handle the meat mixture gently and don’t pack the meatballs too tightly—this keeps them lighter and juicier. Using a light touch when shaping really makes a difference!
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute plus a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The result is still luscious, just with a slightly different undertone.
Is it possible to make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Shape the meatballs and refrigerate them a day in advance, or freeze them until you’re ready to cook. The sauce comes together so quickly that prep ahead makes those busy nights a breeze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably special about Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. They bring together comfort, elegance, and bold flavor in every creamy, saucy bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and share it with those you love—after all, it might just become your new signature dish!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and bathed in a luxurious creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This easy skillet meal is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook meatballs until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, simmer briefly. Garnish with basil and serve.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- You can make the meatballs ahead and freeze them before adding to the sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey or pork if desired.
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