Try this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs recipe for a quick, delicious meal packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknights or special dinners. Save and enjoy!
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant dish, Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a perfect choice. These tender meatballs soaked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce bring warmth to any table. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and ease.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe combines juicy chicken meatballs with a luscious, creamy sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and cooks in under 40 minutes. Plus, the sauce is versatile — perfect served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. If you want to build up your recipe collection, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners for more quick and delicious meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken – for lean protein that’s tender
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – keeps meatballs light and fluffy; substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds savory depth; use nutritional yeast for dairy-free
- 1 large egg – binds the meatballs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – blends herbs for classic taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing
- 1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce rich and silky; substitute coconut cream for dairy-free
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – adds moisture
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – provides tangy sweetness
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently mix ground chicken, panko, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper just until combined.
- Shape the mixture into approximately 16 meatballs and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown each meatball on all sides for about 2-3 minutes; don’t cook through. Remove and set aside.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan to the skillet; stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
For other creamy chicken dishes, you might enjoy this Creamy Parmesan Chicken recipe as well. Also, the Food Network offers great variations if you want to explore different takes.
Expert Tips
To keep your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs tender, don’t overwork the mixture. Use a light hand when mixing. Browning the meatballs first locks in juices, but don’t fully cook them at this stage—that happens in the sauce. For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. These meatballs freeze well for up to 2 months—freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately. Reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through.
Variations
- Gluten-free: Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Vegan: Substitute ground chicken with plant-based ground meat alternatives, egg replacer for binding, and dairy-free cream options.
- Refined-sugar-free: This recipe is naturally free of refined sugars, perfect for cleaner eating.
FAQ
- What makes Marry Me Chicken Meatballs special?
- Its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce combined with tender chicken meatballs offers a unique, rich flavor that’s both comforting and gourmet.
- Can I prepare these chicken meatballs ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare and shape meatballs a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Cook when ready.
- How do I reheat Marry Me Chicken Meatballs without drying them out?
- Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to keep sauce creamy and meatballs moist.
- What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Is Marry Me Chicken Meatballs suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely! They’re perfect for meal prep as they store and reheat well without losing flavor.
Call to Action
We’d love to hear how your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs turned out! Leave a comment below with your experience, rate the recipe if you enjoyed it, and don’t forget to save it for your next meal. Share this delicious dish with friends and family who love easy, flavorful dinners.