Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s so flavorful it earned its romantic name. With garlic, parmesan, herbs, and a luxurious cream sauce, this dish feels elegant yet is surprisingly easy to make.
Perfect for date night, family dinners, or entertaining guests, these meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe is unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy & Tender – Moist chicken meatballs every time
- Creamy & Flavorful – Rich sun-dried tomato sauce
- One-Skillet Meal – Easy cleanup
- Restaurant-Quality – Fancy but simple
- Versatile – Serve with pasta, rice, or bread
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for special occasions
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined.
Form into evenly sized meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked).
Remove and set aside.
3. Start the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer Until Tender
Return meatballs to the skillet.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce thickens.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
Serve warm.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve meatballs generously coated in sauce.
Best Pairings:
- Pasta or gnocchi
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice or orzo
- Crusty bread
Leftover Uses:
- Meatball subs
- Creamy meatball pasta bake
- Stuffed flatbreads
Beverage Pairing:
- Sparkling water
- White wine
- Iced tea
Additional Tips
- Don’t overmix meatballs to keep them tender
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor
- Simmer gently to prevent sauce separation
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens
Variations
- Spicy Version: Extra red pepper flakes
- Cheesy Finish: Add mozzarella on top
- Low-Carb: Serve over zucchini noodles
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Stovetop on low with a splash of broth
Special Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Meatballs?
Because the sauce is so delicious it’s said to inspire marriage proposals.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works very well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yesit tastes even better the next day.
Is this dish spicy?,
Only mildly; spice is optional.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are creamy, comforting, and packed with irresistible flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just want an unforgettable dinner, this recipe delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.
