Description

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs feature juicy, tender chicken meatballs packed with herbs, parmesan cheese, and spices, served in a creamy, rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. This easy-to-prepare and versatile dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with bold, savory flavors and a luscious sauce finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, finely chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free)
1 large egg
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 shallots, finely chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Additional parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan, garlic, shallots, Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
Form and Cook the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until crispy and golden, ensuring they remain moist inside. Remove meatballs and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
Combine and Simmer: Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the sauce’s flavor.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving for enhanced color and freshness.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender.
Use fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality parmesan for best flavor.
Brown the meatballs well to develop texture and depth.
Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce to infuse flavor.
Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy sauce, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, gluten free, savory meatballs