If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort dinner that’s as elegant as it is easy, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are here to sweep you off your feet! Juicy, tender chicken meatballs are bathed in a dreamy sun-dried tomato cream sauce, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply want a cozy weeknight meal, this dish delivers on every front—familiar, yet absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, honest ingredients coming together to make something truly special. Each component adds its own layer of flavor or texture, so don’t skip a thing—every ingredient here matters in building the luscious sauce and succulent meatballs that define Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs.
- Ground chicken: Lean yet flavorful, ground chicken creates juicy, tender meatballs that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: These keep the meatballs moist and provide just the right hold—regular or gluten-free both work great!
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Egg: Keeps everything together and ensures a soft, light meatball texture.
- Garlic (minced): Essential for that savory, unmistakable aroma and flavor—used in both the meatballs and sauce.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the base flavors without overpowering the mix.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances all the other flavors—taste as you go for perfection!
- Olive oil: Helps brown those meatballs to golden perfection, adding a little Mediterranean soul.
- Butter: Richness alert! It infuses the sauce with a silky, decadent finish.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the sauce and brings everything together with a savory base.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, cling-to-your-fork creamy texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Sweet-tart bursts that make the sauce totally irresistible.
- Red pepper flakes: Add just a hint of heat and complexity to balance the creaminess.
- Dried thyme & dried oregano: These herbs bring a touch of earthiness and depth—you’ll taste the difference.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A little fresh pop at the end makes the dish extra beautiful and aromatic.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, 2 cloves of the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to bring everything together until just combined—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough. The mixture should be slightly sticky but easy to form into balls.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Roll the chicken mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, using a cookie scoop or your hands. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the meatballs, making sure not to crowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, turning gently with tongs, for about 6 to 8 minutes. You aren’t cooking them through yet—just giving them beautiful color and sealing in those flavors.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the browned meatballs to a plate. In the same skillet, melt the butter, then add the remaining minced garlic and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and oregano. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; you’ll notice the kitchen filling with the most mouthwatering aroma.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce and Simmer the Meatballs
Add the additional 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s melted in. Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and spoon some sauce over each. Cover the pan and let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. The meatballs will finish cooking, soaking in all that rich sauce, and the sauce will thicken to perfectly coat each one.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Give everything a gentle stir, then check the seasoning—add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle the finished Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with chopped fresh basil, if using. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a dinner that looks as incredible as it tastes!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped basil not only brightens up the plate but also perfumes each bite. If you’re feeling extra, a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil will make your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs sing with flavor and elegance.
Side Dishes
This dish is insanely versatile! Serve these meatballs over perfectly al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up all the gorgeous sauce. Add a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies alongside to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow a crowd, try piling the meatballs onto toasted baguette slices as a show-stopping appetizer. For a weeknight twist, tuck them into a crusty roll with extra sauce for a decadent sandwich. However you plate it, the creamy sauce is the star, so grab something to mop up every last drop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs and sauce to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftover meatballs and sauce. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a labeled zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—the creamy sauce may separate a bit, but a gentle stir will bring it back together.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between. If the sauce seems a little thick, add a splash of cream or broth to revive its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey works well as a substitute; just opt for a mix with a little fat to keep the meatballs juicy. The flavors will still complement the creamy, tangy sauce perfectly.
Are Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free breadcrumbs, this dish is totally safe for those avoiding gluten. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so swap out the breadcrumbs and you’re good to go!
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries at all—roasted red peppers are a lovely alternative. They bring a gentle sweetness and color, giving the sauce its signature richness even without the tomatoes.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The meatballs are done when they’re firm and no longer pink in the center, with clear juices running out. For extra assurance, use an instant-read thermometer; the center should hit 165°F (74°C).
Can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish as written, then cool and refrigerate in single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. The flavors get even better as they meld together overnight.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are calling your name! There’s something so heartwarming about these tender, saucy bites—invite friends, make extra, and enjoy every single forkful. Give them a try and watch everyone fall head over heels for this simple yet swoon-worthy recipe!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is a decadent and flavorful dish featuring tender ground chicken meatballs in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown meatballs, then set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add broth, cream, tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan. Simmer.
- Finish Dish: Return meatballs to the sauce, simmer until cooked through. Garnish with basil.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use ground chicken thigh.
- You can substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers if preferred.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great meal prep option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 4 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
