These creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delicious blend of chicken and cheese, cooked in a luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible. Every bite is a treat for your taste buds!
Trust me, you’ll want to serve these at dinner. They might just win your heart—or at least your dinner guests! 😊 I love pairing them with pasta or a fresh salad for a tasty meal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish, but you can use ground turkey or pork if you prefer a different flavor. I often go for ground chicken for its lighter texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that perfect crunch, panko is great! If you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs will work, though the texture will be a bit denser.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely salty flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast. I really enjoy the depth it gives to the meatballs.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a sweet and tangy taste. If you can’t find them, try using roasted red peppers for a different but tasty twist.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and luxurious. For a lighter option, half-and-half or coconut cream can be used instead, though it will change the flavor a bit.
How Do You Get the Meatballs Just Right?
When forming meatballs, the key is to mix just enough to combine all the ingredients without overworking the meat. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use a light hand!
- Shape your meatballs to about 1 1/2 inches. This helps them cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the meatballs. This ensures a nice brown crust without overcooking the insides.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook them in batches if necessary to maintain temperature.
With these simple tips, your meatballs will turn out tender and juicy every time! Enjoy making this delicious dish!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably in oil), chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to combine everything gently until just blended—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so mix until everything is just combined!
2. Form and Sear the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or board. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring there’s space between them. Sear until they are nicely browned on all sides, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Be sure to scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those add great flavor!
4. Simmer and Serve:
Add the crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) and Italian seasoning to the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Carefully return the meatballs to the skillet, gently nesting them in the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together for an additional 8-10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is creamy and thick. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly sliced basil on top for an extra pop of flavor!
Serve these creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside a fresh green salad for a comforting meal. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work wonderfully in this recipe, giving you a slightly different flavor while still being delicious.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that each will slightly change the flavor and consistency of the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs! Before cooking, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking.
