Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The sauce has just the right balance of garlic, herbs, and…
By Emily
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The sauce has just the right balance of garlic, herbs, and a little bit of cheese, making these meatballs feel special without being complicated.
I love making these meatballs when I want a delicious dinner that feels cozy and impressive but really isn’t hard at all. The chicken keeps them light, and the sauce makes them super comforting. One tip I have is to let the meatballs soak in the sauce for a little while before serving—that way, all the flavors really come together.
These meatballs go perfectly over pasta, rice, or even with some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. I’ve found that serving them with a side of sautéed greens or a simple salad makes the meal feel just right. For me, this dish always brings smiles around the table, and I can see why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Meatballs—everyone wants to ask for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground chicken: This keeps the meatballs light and tender. If ground chicken is hard to find, ground turkey is a great substitute that works just as well.
Parmesan cheese: It adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps bind the meatballs. If you avoid dairy, try nutritional yeast or skip it—just add extra seasoning.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy punch to the sauce. If you don’t have them, roasted red peppers make a nice alternative.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce rich and silky. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or coconut cream, but the sauce will be less thick.
How Do I Keep Chicken Meatballs Juicy and Tender?
Chicken meat can dry out easily, so handle the mixture gently and avoid over-mixing. Here’s how:
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the texture soft.
- Add ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg to add moisture and help bind.
- Brown meatballs over medium-high heat for a nice crust, but don’t cook all the way through before simmering in sauce.
- Simmer covered in the creamy sauce to finish cooking; this keeps them moist and flavorful.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – easy for combining your meatball ingredients without making a mess.
- Nonstick or cast-iron skillet – perfect for browning the meatballs evenly and simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – helps stir the sauce and scrape those tasty bits off the pan.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and liquids just right.
- Baking sheet or plate – handy for resting the formed meatballs before cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground chicken for ground turkey or pork to change the flavor and texture up a bit.
- Add chopped fresh basil or oregano for a fresh herbal twist in the sauce.
- Stir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale for some green veggie goodness.
- Use mozzarella cheese inside the meatballs or melted on top for a cheesy surprise.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and brown the meatballs, plus 10-12 minutes of simmering time. Overall, plan for 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish—quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix and Shape the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined—avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender. Then, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches wide and set them aside on a plate.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning carefully so they brown evenly on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this point. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce and Simmer:
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 1 minute to release their flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any tasty browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
4. Finish Cooking the Meatballs:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and Serve:
Give the sauce a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little more heat. Garnish with extra fresh parsley. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken for These Meatballs?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the ground chicken in the refrigerator overnight before mixing the ingredients. This helps the meatballs hold together better and cook evenly.
Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and brown the meatballs a day ahead, then store them covered in the fridge. When ready, just simmer them in the sauce until heated through before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening.
What Can I Serve With These Meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad pairs nicely to round out the meal.
