These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with all the creamy, savory flavors that will make you fall in love with them! Inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken dish, these meatballs are coated in a rich, garlic, sun-dried tomato, and cream sauce that’s so irresistible, it’s sure to win hearts. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or even for entertaining guests.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-18 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.
7. Serve:
Once the meatballs are cooked through and well-coated in the sauce, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
8. Enjoy:
Serve these Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables. They’re also fantastic with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: These meatballs go wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice. The creamy sauce will cling perfectly to the noodles.
- With Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of rice, like jasmine or basmati, to soak up the savory sauce.
- With Vegetables: Pair with sautéed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
- With Bread: A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use Ground Turkey: If you prefer ground turkey, feel free to substitute it for the ground chicken in this recipe.
- Add a Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top when serving.
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve the meatballs with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
- Cheese: If you want to add more cheese, try topping the meatballs with shredded mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are the perfect comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a special dinner. With their rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken meatballs, they’re sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with all the creamy, savory flavors that will make you fall in love with them! Inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken dish, these meatballs are coated in a rich, garlic, sun-dried tomato, and cream sauce that’s so irresistible, it’s sure to win hearts. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or even for entertaining guests.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 16-18 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken further.
7. Serve:
Once the meatballs are cooked through and well-coated in the sauce, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
8. Enjoy:
Serve these Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over pasta, rice, or with a side of roasted vegetables. They’re also fantastic with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
Notes
- Use Ground Turkey: If you prefer ground turkey, feel free to substitute it for the ground chicken in this recipe.
- Add a Kick: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top when serving.
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve the meatballs with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.
- Cheese: If you want to add more cheese, try topping the meatballs with shredded mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving