Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delightful twist on the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe, featuring juicy, tender meatballs cooked in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This dish is flavorful, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan
- Creamy, indulgent sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta or rice
- Easy to prepare and ready in under an hour
- Perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests
- A unique and satisfying take on a classic recipe
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground chicken
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Fresh basil (chopped)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and let them cook in the sauce for 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or beef for chicken
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter option
- Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freeze cooked meatballs (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before adding to freshly made sauce.
FAQs
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure the meat mixture is well-combined and avoid over-mixing, as that can make the meatballs too soft.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes can be used but will provide a different texture and less intense flavor.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
What sides go well with Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables complement the dish beautifully.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked meatballs?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time since they only need to be heated through.
What herbs can I use if I don’t have basil?
Parsley or thyme are great alternatives.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delicious, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and full of rich, creamy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These tender chicken meatballs are coated in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked through and golden.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
-
Combine:
- Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Simmer for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Swap ground chicken with turkey if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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