Easy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: A Creamy and Flavorful Delight
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs take all the irresistible flavors of the classic “Marry Me Chicken” dish and turn them into bite-sized, tender meatballs. Imagine juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy, garlic-packed, sun-dried tomato sauce—a good recipe that might inspire a marriage proposal (or at least many compliments)! Please note that this dish contains dairy and gluten, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. It’s indulgent yet easy to make, and the rich sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of Parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream is unbeatable.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices, add veggies, or swap chicken for turkey to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a romantic date night.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Rice: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: Use crusty sourdough or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the sauce.
- Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
- Don’tOvermix the Meatballs: Mixing until combined keeps the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly into the sauce and enhances the flavor.
- Customize the Spice Level: Add more or less chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Deglaze the Pan: Scrape up any browned bits from cooking the meatballs, adding flavor to the sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce separately ahead of time. Combine and reheat just before serving.
Storing and Reheating
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat the meatballs and sauce over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
1. Why Are They Called “arry Me” Chicken Meatballs?
The original “Marry Me Chicken” dish is so good that it’s said to inspire proposals! Legend has it that a home cook made this dish for her partner, and it was so delicious that he proposed on the spot. Whether or not it leads to a marriage proposal, these meatballs offer the same creamy, indulgent flavors in a fun, bite-sized form.
2. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and yields equally tender meatballs.
3. How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternative for the sauces. For the meatballs, substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
4. What Can I Use Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes make excellent substitutes.
5. Can I Bake the Meatballs Instead of Frying?
Yes! Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are the perfect marriage of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Tender chicken meatballs swimming in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce make this dish comfortable in every bite. Whether addressing a special someone, feeding your family, or simply treating yourself, these meatballs are guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Serve them over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce—and get ready for rave reviews!
Easy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1- large egg
- 2- cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
For the Sauce
- 2 -tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2- cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 -cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
. Prepare the Meatballs
- Combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Make about 20 to 24 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the meatballs are cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
Serve
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.