If you’re looking for a dish to sweep someone off their feet—or just want to treat yourself to incredible comfort food—Marry Me Chicken Meatballs might just be your new kitchen love affair. Imagine juicy chicken meatballs nestled in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, each bite bursting with savory Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s a meal that feels special but doesn’t ask too much in return—just a little bit of love and about 40 minutes of your time. The marriage of flavors here is truly irresistible, making this recipe perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want dinner to feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is how effortlessly every ingredient shines. Each component plays a vital part, bringing its own magic—whether it’s tenderness, flavor, richness, or a pop of color—to the finished dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it makes the meatballs tender and lets the other flavors shine through.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them juicy inside—panko or Italian work best!
- Parmesan cheese: Savory and salty, it adds depth and richness to both the meatballs and sauce.
- Egg: The glue that holds your meatballs together for a perfect texture.
- Garlic: Adds irresistible aroma and that just-cooked Italian flavor to both meatballs and sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of dried herbs that brings classic warmth to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple essentials for seasoning every layer.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and adding rich, fruity undertones to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick of heat—include if you like a bit of spice.
- Chicken broth: The backbone of the sauce, adding savory depth while keeping things light.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously silky and crave-worthy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet, tangy, and chewy, they deliver a burst of color and flavor that sets this dish apart.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A final touch that keeps everything tasting garden-fresh and bright.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix Up the Meatball Magic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup will be a breeze. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The trick here is to mix just until the ingredients come together—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. You’ll notice the aroma from the Parmesan and herbs already hinting at the deliciousness to come!
Step 2: Shape & Bake the Meatballs
Once your meatball mixture is ready, scoop out about 1½-inch portions and gently roll them between your palms. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with a bit of space in between (they’ll brown nicely all the way around this way). Bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through—the kitchen will start to smell absolutely irresistible as they bake.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
While the meatballs are turning golden in the oven, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing just for a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Pour in your chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer; after 4–5 minutes, it should be glossy and slightly thickened, just begging for those tender meatballs.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Transfer your baked meatballs straight into that luscious sauce, tucking them in so they’re well-coated. Simmer everything together for another 3–5 minutes, spooning sauce over the top so every bit soaks up the flavor. Right before serving, sprinkle over some fresh chopped basil or parsley—the pop of green makes the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs look as good as they taste.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
For that final restaurant-worthy touch, a shower of grated Parmesan and a scattering of fresh basil or parsley are perfect. If you’re feeling a little extra, a crack of fresh black pepper makes every plate look vibrant—and don’t forget those pretty sun-dried tomato bits!
Side Dishes
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are wonderful served over a swirl of al dente pasta, atop creamy mashed potatoes, or paired with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. For a lighter meal, try with roasted vegetables or a crisp, green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the meatballs as sliders in toasted buns, as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping, or over a creamy polenta for a cozy twist. Their irresistible flavor means they’re just as at home on a dinner party table as they are in a casual weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs (with plenty of sauce!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying lunch the next day.
Freezing
These meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. The sauce can be stored separately or together with the meatballs in airtight containers; they’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave single portions in a covered dish, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute—just be sure to use ground turkey with a bit of fat (like 93% lean) so the meatballs stay juicy and flavorful.
What can I substitute for heavy cream for a lighter version?
You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a slightly lighter sauce. For a dairy-free twist, try coconut cream and a bit of nutritional yeast to mimic that creamy, cheesy vibe.
Are Marry Me Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety and double-check that your Parmesan and chicken broth are gluten-free as well.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and bake the meatballs a day ahead, then store them in the fridge. Warm them in the sauce just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.
How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming dry?
The secret is to avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, and make sure you don’t overbake them. Keeping some fat in your ground chicken (not too lean) helps too, and finishing them in the rich sauce ensures every bite stays juicy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall for a new dinner favorite, Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are about to become the star of your table. The flavors are absolutely unforgettable, and the whole process is so rewarding. Whether you’re impressing a date or just spoiling yourself, give these a try—you just might find yourself making them again and again!
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic dish, featuring tender chicken meatballs in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special date night!
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the meatballs: Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
