If you’re looking for a dish that balances cozy comfort and impressive flavors, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is here to win over your heart and your dinner guests. These tender chicken meatballs are simmered in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, capturing everything you love about a decadent, feel-good meal—all in one skillet! Both weeknight-friendly and celebration-worthy, it’s the kind of recipe that sparks second helpings and maybe even a marriage proposal or two.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe shines with a handful of simple, lovely ingredients. Each star of the show brings its own delicious magic, helping to build layers of flavor, cozy texture, and irresistible aroma. With just a glance at this grocery list, you’ll know you’re only a few steps away from great home-cooked comfort.

Ground chicken: Makes the meatballs tender, juicy, and lighter than beef or pork.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a nutty, savory punch and helps hold the meatballs together.
Plain breadcrumbs: Add the perfect binder for moist, never-dry meatballs.
Egg: Keeps everything unified while giving structure and extra richness.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic in both the meatballs and the sauce for double the aromatic flavor.
Salt: Enhances and draws out all the incredible savory notes in every bite.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Olive oil: Gets the meatballs beautifully golden and crisp when searing.
Butter: Enriches the creamy sauce and lends a velvety mouthfeel.
Chicken broth: Gives the sauce its savory, umami-laden base.
Heavy cream: Brings luscious silkiness, transforming the sauce into pure luxury.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): These little flavor bombs add tang, sweetness, and gorgeous color.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of spice—add as much or as little as you like.
Italian seasoning: Blends essential herbs to echo classic Mediterranean flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce): Thickens and flavors the sauce with extra richness.
Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): A sprinkle on top brightens the whole dish with color and freshness.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Begin by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and adding ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to gently mix these ingredients together. Don’t over work it—the secret to tender meatballs is a light touch! Stop mixing as soon as everything looks homogenous.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

With clean hands, scoop and roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. You should get around 16—20, depending on size. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly oil your hands or use a cookie scoop for uniform portions. Set the meatballs on a plate while the skillet heats up.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a wide, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs or a spoon, until each side is wonderfully golden. They don’t need to be cooked through yet—this stage is all about building flavor. Remove them gently and set aside on a clean plate.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

In that same pan (don’t clean it—you want those tasty brown bits!), melt the butter and add the remaining minced garlic. Sauté for just a minute until fragrant, then add the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Stir to blend and bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting those inviting aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Sprinkle 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese into the bubbling sauce and stir until smooth. Carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and let everything simmer for 8–10 minutes. By the end, the chicken meatballs should be cooked through and the sauce will have thickened, blanketing everything in creamy, sunset-hued goodness.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Take the skillet off the heat, give it a last stir, and scatter the fresh basil over the top. Your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is ready to make hearts flutter! Serve right away while the aroma is irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

A final dusting of extra Parmesan, a handful of freshly chopped basil, or even a few slivers of sun-dried tomato can make these meatballs look restaurant-worthy at home. The pop of green from basil adds freshness and visual appeal, while more cheese shines the spotlight on indulgence.

Side Dishes

The Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe pairs beautifully with so many sides. Spoon them over a tangle of al dente pasta, nestle atop creamy mashed potatoes, or serve over simple steamed rice for a meal that’s both homey and elegant. Don’t forget a hunk of crusty bread to soak up all that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve these meatballs as sliders for a comforting party bite, tuck them into toasted rolls for a saucy sandwich, or set out with small forks for a chic appetizer at gatherings. However you choose, this recipe knows how to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe keeps beautifully. Just tuck them into an airtight container, making sure to include plenty of sauce so the meatballs stay moist. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Cool the meatballs and sauce completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or sturdy zip-top bags. Label and lay flat for easy stacking. They’ll taste just as wonderful for up to three months and make for the ultimate cozy dinner on a chilly night.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to bring back the sauciness. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring every 30–40 seconds until hot throughout. Just avoid high heat to prevent the creamy sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a delicious swap for chicken and will keep the meatballs just as tender and flavorful. Just look for turkey that isn’t overly lean, so your meatballs stay juicy.

Is there a dairy-free version of the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe?

You can make this dish dairy-free by using your favorite plant-based cream and cheese substitutes. Coconut cream works well for the sauce, and vegan Parmesan will help bind the meatballs and add flavor.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the meatballs and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes dinnertime fast and fuss-free.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

While sun-dried tomatoes add that signature tang and color, you can use drained, chopped roasted red peppers or even a swirl of tomato paste for a similar touch of depth.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is totally in your control. Red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can leave them out entirely or add extra for more of a kick. It’s all about making it perfect for your table.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a hug, the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe truly delivers. Every bite is rich, flavorful, and memorably delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or someone special, don’t hesitate—it’s time to let this unforgettable recipe charm its way into your regular rotation!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken meatballs in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
Sear the Meatballs: Sear meatballs in a skillet until browned. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, then add broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spices, and Parmesan. Simmer.
Finish Dish: Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer until cooked through. Garnish with basil.