Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs in a creamy, garlicky sauce that’s rich with herbs and spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner, these meatballs are bound to impress anyone lucky enough to try them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are packed with flavor, combining tender chicken with a luxurious, creamy sauce that’s full of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. The sauce perfectly complements the juicy meatballs, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making this dish for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe, earning its name for the sheer deliciousness of every bite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan.
- Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
For the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to soften them.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add red pepper flakes (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and add richness.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are heated through and coated with the sauce.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can serve the meatballs with sautéed spinach, roasted veggies, or over a bed of zucchini noodles for extra nutrients.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute dairy-free cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
- Spicy Version: Add a bit more red pepper flakes or even a chopped jalapeño for extra spice.
- Swap Meat: You can swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or beef depending on your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze them before cooking and thaw them before frying.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked. This will save you some time and reduce the amount of oil used.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious on their own or served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or beef for the ground chicken, depending on your preferences. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat them in a skillet with some extra sauce.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add some chopped fresh chili peppers, or use a hot sauce of your choice to spice up the dish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reduces and thickens to your liking. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut one open to check that it is no longer pink in the center.
Can I use a non-dairy substitute for the cream?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or any non-dairy cream alternative if you need a dairy-free version of this dish.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and indulgent meal that combines juicy, tender meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce. The savory flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese make this dish unforgettable, and the tender meatballs in the velvety sauce are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection. Whether for a romantic dinner or a family meal, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are juicy, flavorful chicken meatballs in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. This indulgent dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and will impress anyone lucky enough to try it!
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs
1 pound ground chicken (or turkey)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil - For the Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan chees
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan.
Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked
Notes
- For a heartier meal, serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.,For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
- You can swap ground chicken for turkey, beef, depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
