There’s something undeniably special about a dish that can win hearts and create lasting memories at the dinner table. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is one of those recipes—a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s as heartwarming as its name. Legend has it that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While the name may be whimsical, the dish itself is all business when it comes to flavor.
Picture tender, perfectly spiced chicken meatballs bathed in a creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, bringing together bold flavors with a sense of homey comfort. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a cozy family dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comfort Meets Elegance: While it feels fancy enough for a special occasion, this recipe is also perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Packed with Flavor: The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and the subtle sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, is irresistibly delicious.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the luxurious taste fool you—this recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills.
- Customizable: You can pair this dish with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for a variety of meal options.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs Start by mixing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands (or a spoon, if you prefer) to combine everything until just mixed. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so aim for a light touch.
Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs—about 1 1/2 inches in diameter works well. You should get around 12 to 15 meatballs, depending on the size.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-6 minutes. (They don’t need to cook all the way through just yet.) Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits add tons of flavor!
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Cook Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Once done, garnish the dish with fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or with some warm, crusty bread on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to scoop up every drop of that creamy sauce!
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture: Lightly mix the ingredients to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe uses simple ingredients, opt for good-quality Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten-free option available (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Notes:
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 410
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe and provides a similar flavor profile.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge and proceed with the recipe as written.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pasta is a classic choice, but mashed potatoes, polenta, or even zucchini noodles work beautifully as well.
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Conclusion:
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring all on your own. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a comforting meal to brighten your day, these tender meatballs in their luxurious creamy sauce are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and who knows—it might just become one of your go-to favorites! Happy cooking!
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: A Comforting and Romantic Dish for Every Occasion
Description
There’s something undeniably special about a dish that can win hearts and create lasting memories at the dinner table. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is one of those recipes—a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal that’s as heartwarming as its name. Legend has it that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While the name may be whimsical, the dish itself is all business when it comes to flavor.
Picture tender, perfectly spiced chicken meatballs bathed in a creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make, bringing together bold flavors with a sense of homey comfort. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a cozy family dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs Start by mixing the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands (or a spoon, if you prefer) to combine everything until just mixed. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so aim for a light touch.
Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs—about 1 1/2 inches in diameter works well. You should get around 12 to 15 meatballs, depending on the size.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-6 minutes. (They don’t need to cook all the way through just yet.) Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these bits add tons of flavor!
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine and Cook Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Once done, garnish the dish with fresh basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, rice, or with some warm, crusty bread on the side. Trust me, you’ll want to scoop up every drop of that creamy sauce!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.