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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs feature tender, juicy ground chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious, creamy sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. This flavorful dish is easy to prepare, healthy, and versatile, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or vegetables. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser, it balances elegance and comfort in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut/cashew cream for dairy-free)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and Brown the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs using about one to two tablespoons of mixture each. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently, scraping up browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and soak up the creamy sauce.
  5. Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite base.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and moist.
  • Shape meatballs evenly to ensure they cook at the same pace.
  • Simmer meatballs gently in the sauce to lock in moisture and deepen flavors.
  • Use quality sun-dried tomatoes, preferably packed in oil, for a richer sauce.
  • Let the meatballs rest a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, gluten-free, easy dinner, healthy meatballs