These Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a perfect tasty treat! They are made with ground chicken, herbs, and a creamy sauce that makes each bite feel special.
I can’t help but smile every time I make these! They’re easy to whip up and are sure to impress—who knows, they might even lead to a proposal! 😄
Serve them over pasta or with crusty bread for a lovely meal. I love how quick they are to make; it’s a delicious dinner in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken keeps the meatballs tender. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner option, or even ground beef if you prefer a richer flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs to bind the meatballs. If you need a gluten-free option, go for almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed crackers!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds great flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well, or you can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free substitute!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a lovely depth of flavor. If you can’t find them, diced canned tomatoes or roasted red peppers can also add that nice tangy twist.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, half-and-half or coconut cream are good substitutes. For a vegan option, use cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth.
How Do I Make Sure My Meatballs Stay Moist and Flavorful?
To keep your meatballs moist, follow these tips:
- Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Add breadcrumbs to absorb moisture while cooking. This helps keep them tender.
- Don’t skip the egg as it helps bind the mixture while adding moisture.
Cooking over medium heat ensures that the meatballs cook evenly without drying out. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the skillet, which can cause steaming instead of browning!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, 2 tbsp chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the egg. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs that are roughly 1.5 inches in diameter, making sure they’re all even in size for consistent cooking.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium-low in the same skillet and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for about a minute to release their flavor. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Cheese and Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and, if you like some heat, add in the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for about 3-5 minutes so the flavors can meld.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the meatballs for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful, creamy, and comforting Marry Me Chicken Meatballs!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will work just as well in this recipe. It may have a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Meatballs?
You can store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Alternatively, you can also freeze them after shaping, then cook from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, although this may result in a thinner sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or blended silken tofu for a creamy texture without dairy.
