If you adore dishes that are bursting with flavor while feeling like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re in for a treat with this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe. Picture tender, juicy chicken meatballs nestled in a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce that’s so utterly delicious, it practically begs for a proposal! Every bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and tang, making this recipe a guaranteed favorite for busy weeknights or special dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe right is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and perfect textures, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
- 1 lb ground chicken: The lean base for tender and juicy meatballs that soak up all the flavors.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty punch that enhances the savory depth of the meatballs.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent, keeping your meatballs perfectly shaped and moist.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy sauce texture that’s rich without being heavy.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and helps to thin the sauce into a silky consistency.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet burst of concentrated tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic kick that ties the flavors together.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Perfect for browning the meatballs evenly and locking in their juiciness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix and Form Meatballs
Start by combining the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, and the egg in a large bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix everything until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Then, shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, to ensure they cook perfectly through.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs, giving them space to brown nicely without overcrowding. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning gently so they develop a golden crust all around. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside — they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently, scraping up any browned bits from the pan — these bits are full of flavor! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened into a luscious coating. This step is key to marrying all the flavors together — trust the process!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green herbs like basil or spinach leaves is a beautiful way to brighten with color and freshness, cutting through the richness of the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top never hurts either, for that cheesy finish.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe pairs wonderfully with a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or cauliflower rice to keep things low-carb and keto-friendly. For something heartier, buttery mashed potatoes or a crusty garlic bread are fantastic options to soak up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a romantic dinner, serve the meatballs individually stacked on elegant plates with a drizzle of sauce artistically poured around. Or, turn this dish into a cozy family-style meal by plating the meatballs in a large, shallow bowl for everyone to share, encouraging warm conversation around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or an easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep these meatballs handy for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t stick together and can last well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Alternatively, microwave leftovers covered until hot, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this recipe and gives the meatballs a slightly different yet delicious flavor profile. Just be mindful of the lean fat content which can affect moisture levels.
What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are hard to come by, finely chopped roasted red peppers or a spoonful of tomato paste can offer a similar sweet and tangy depth in the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no breadcrumbs or wheat-based ingredients. Always double-check your broth and any spices to be safe!
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor will be slightly different but still incredibly tasty.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Incorporate chopped spinach or fresh basil into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering, or serve with a side of roasted or steamed veggies to boost the nutrition and color on your plate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and indulgent about the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. From the juicy meatballs to the creamy tomato sauce, every element comes together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and experience the cozy, flavorful magic that has made it a favorite in my kitchen!
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce — a deliciously comforting dish that earns its name with every bite.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 egg
Sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan, and egg, mixing thoroughly until evenly combined. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Notes
- For added color and freshness, incorporate spinach or basil into the sauce during the simmering step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
