If you are on the hunt for a dish that is both comforting and impressively flavorful, the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy chicken meatballs with a luxuriously creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of richness and zest. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this dish feels special enough to inspire a heartfelt meal and cozy, memorable dining experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture that make the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe so irresistible.
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken: the tender base of your meatballs, offering a lighter alternative to beef or pork without sacrificing moisture.
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs: crucial for binding and adding a subtle hint of herbaceous crunch inside the meatballs.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: brings a salty, savory punch that enriches the flavor profile beautifully.
- 2 large eggs: act as a natural binder, keeping meatballs perfectly shaped and tender.
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic: offers a robust aroma and foundational flavor element.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder: rounds out the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: a blend that brings classic Mediterranean herbs to the forefront.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): adds just the right hint of heat to wake up your tastebuds.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: for browning the meatballs, providing a golden crust and depth of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: used to build the rich, silky sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): infused in the sauce to elevate its aromatic layers.
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): deliver an intense burst of sweet-tart flavor that makes this sauce unforgettable.
- 1 cup chicken broth: adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream: creates the luscious, creamy texture that coats every meatball perfectly.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): enriches the sauce with a sharp, nutty character.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: these seasoning touches in the sauce amplify the overall harmony of flavors.
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil (garnish): adds freshness and vibrant color as a finishing touch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (garnish): for an extra sprinkle of savory goodness when serving.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Meatball Mixture
Start by gently combining the ground chicken with Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and the blend of seasonings including granulated garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the optional crushed red pepper flakes. Be careful not to overmix because keeping the mixture light ensures the meatballs stay tender and juicy rather than dense.
Step 2: Forming and Browning the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs—this size is perfect for cooking evenly and allowing maximum sauce adhesion. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides, approximately 7 to 10 minutes. Achieving a golden crust locks in flavor and texture. Once browned, transfer them to a plate, letting them rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Building the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sautéing them briefly releases an irresistible aroma that forms the flavorful foundation of the sauce. Next, pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan by scraping up those browned bits—this step adds incredible depth.
Step 4: Creating the Creamy Sauce Base
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the seasonings (Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper). Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken, setting the stage for the meatballs to soak up all that deliciousness.
Step 5: Simmering the Meatballs in Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and let simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the meatballs in a dreamy, luscious coating.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish to add a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A final dusting of grated Parmesan can also be added for that extra tasty layer. Now, your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil really make this dish shine by adding a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds those last savory notes that make every bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with al dente pasta to soak up the creamy sauce, or you can serve it alongside fluffy rice for a comforting meal. Crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic companion, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve these meatballs on skewers or as sliders in toasted mini buns topped with fresh basil leaves. They also shine when layered over creamy polenta or nestled next to roasted vegetables, adding both elegance and comfort to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish again without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Sauce can be frozen in a sealed container as well. Both will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge for best results. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used as a substitute, though it tends to be leaner so you might want to add a bit more moisture or breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs tender.
Is there a way to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the Italian breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative such as almond flour or gluten-free panko. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the meatballs and sauce separately in advance?
Definitely. You can make both components ahead of time and combine and heat them just before serving. This makes for a stress-free meal when guests arrive.
What should I serve with the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe for a complete meal?
Pairing these meatballs with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables and a starch like pasta, risotto, or crusty bread completes the meal beautifully.
Are these meatballs spicy?
The spice level depends on your use of crushed red pepper flakes. They add a gentle warmth, but you can omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is the kind of dish that turns any meal into a special occasion, full of heartwarming flavors and texture contrasts. It’s approachable yet impressive, guaranteed to become a favorite whether shared with friends or savored solo. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite—it just might inspire a new family classic!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Deliciously tender and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Meatballs simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with Italian herbs and garlic. Perfectly browned meatballs made with ground chicken, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning are cooked on the stovetop and served with a rich, creamy sauce garnished with fresh basil. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1.5 pounds ground chicken
- 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, granulated garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the skillet bottom to deglaze and add flavor to the sauce.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (optional), kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Cover and keep heat low, simmering for 10 to 15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and sauce thickens further.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve hot alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to ensure tender meatballs.
- Use fresh basil for garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- The sauce can be made in advance; reheat gently on stovetop before adding meatballs.
- Check meatballs’ internal temperature to ensure they are fully cooked.
