Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress anyone at your table.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like it spicy)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko, 1/2 cup Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Stir well until fully mixed.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 20 golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes; the meatballs will not be fully cooked yet.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and add salt if needed.
5. Step 5: Gently add the partially cooked meatballs to the skillet, tossing them in the sauce to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil over the top, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, you can use a mix of ground chicken and ground turkey.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the sauce to a baking dish before adding meatballs and baking.
• Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating will help keep the sauce smooth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, assemble and bake as directed.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

Absolutely. Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.