Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

There is something utterly irresistible about the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs that makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These tender, Italian-seasoned chicken meatballs simmered to perfection in a lush sun-dried tomato cream sauce are a beautiful harmony of flavors that feels both indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or a festive family dinner, this dish brings a special kind of magic to the table that might just have you reaching for that ring—or at least seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the flavors just right is surprisingly simple with the right ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building up the texture, taste, and visual appeal of these meatballs and their creamy sauce.

• Ground chicken: The lean, tender base of the meatballs, perfect for absorbing all those Italian seasonings.
• Bread crumbs or panko: Adds essential structure for tender meatballs that hold together beautifully.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep everything perfectly intact.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a delicate saltiness to both meatballs and sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for that punch of aromatic flavor you can’t resist.
• Fresh parsley or dried parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a pop of green.
• Italian seasoning: The secret blend that ties the whole dish together with classic herb notes.
• Onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness and complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the ingredients to life.
• Unsalted butter: For browning the meatballs and building that rich base for the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Deeply flavorful and packed with umami, these are chopped and folded right into the sauce.
• Tomato paste: Adds thickness and richness to the creamy sauce.
• Chicken stock: Gives the sauce a savory backbone.
• Heavy cream: The silky, luscious element that transforms the sauce into pure indulgence.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A slight kick for those who like a touch of heat.
• Fresh basil leaves: Julienned and sprinkled on top for a fresh, fragrant finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by combining ground chicken, bread crumbs, a lightly beaten egg, grated parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands gently to mix just until everything is evenly incorporated—overmixing can make your meatballs tough, and we want tender, juicy bites every time.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into tablespoon-sized meatballs—approximately 30 if you want to be precise. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the meatballs on all sides until golden brown. They won’t be done yet, but this step locks in the flavors and builds a beautiful crust. Transfer them to a plate and keep them warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium heat. Pour in a tablespoon of the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes, then add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant for about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook a minute longer to deepen its flavor. Add chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer gently, then add back the meatballs along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow everything to cook together for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens perfectly and the meatballs are cooked through.

Step 5: Garnish and Season

Finish by sprinkling fresh julienned basil over the top and adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This final touch of fresh herbs lifts the dish with vibrant aroma and color.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

A handful of fresh basil leaves is a no-brainer and really brings a burst of fragrance and brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan cheese or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

These meatballs are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy polenta, garlic buttered noodles, or a bed of pillowy mashed potatoes all soak up the sauce magnificently. For a lighter touch, serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs right in the skillet they’re cooked in, letting guests help themselves to the decadent sauce. Alternatively, spoon them over a thick slice of toasted rustic bread to create a cozy open-faced meatball sandwich, perfect for casual entertaining or lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, no worries—they keep beautifully! Store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This lets all the flavors continue to meld for tasty reheats later on.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs will almost taste like freshly made. For the best quality, freeze the meatballs and sauce together so they don’t dry out.

Reheating

Gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, simply add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it back up and keep it silky smooth.

FAQs

Can I use other ground meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! While chicken keeps the meatballs light and tender, ground turkey, beef, pork, or even lamb will work beautifully. Mixing meats can add extra flavor and juiciness if you like.

Is it okay to use dried sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed?

You can use dried sun-dried tomatoes, but be sure to rehydrate them in warm water first and drain well. Keep in mind, you won’t have that extra flavorful oil to add to the sauce, so adjust seasoning accordingly.

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out butter for olive oil or vegan butter, use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan substitute, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a delicious dairy-free version that still tastes indulgent.

How can I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients, and make sure to use bread crumbs and egg as binders. Also, chilling the meatball mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping helps them hold their shape better in the pan.

What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker?

Allow the sauce to simmer gently and reduce for 10-15 minutes after adding the cream and meatballs. If it’s still not as thick as you like, stirring in an extra tablespoon of parmesan or prolonging the simmer will help thicken it up.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet experienced the joy of Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, you are in for a treat that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. This dish perfectly balances ease and elegance with layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. So, gather your ingredients and dive in—you might just find your new favorite comfort food right here!