Love at first bite is possible with these delectable marry me chicken meatballs. Each tender morsel is bathed in a luscious sauce that whispers hints of tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs. If you’re seeking a dish that captivates your taste buds and enchants dinner guests, this marry me chicken meatballs recipe may just be the perfect culinary proposal! Truly magical.
These marry me chicken meatballs seamlessly fuse comfort and sophistication, making them ideal for both weeknights and special celebrations. In each mouthful, you’ll discover a creamy harmony of bold flavors layered with juicy chicken. Prepare to witness wide-eyed exclamations of delight when you bring this marry me chicken meatballs recipe to the table, and bask in compliments galore. Guaranteed success!
Table of contents
Reasons to Love the Recipe
- Hearty Comfort: There is something undeniably soothing about biting into these succulent meatballs, smothered in a rich, velvety cream sauce. It’s comfort food taken to the next level! The synergy of sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and herbs creates a balance between light and indulgent that keeps you coming back for more.
- Impressively Simple: Despite the luxurious flavor profile, this marry me chicken meatballs recipe is surprisingly quick to assemble. No fancy techniques are required. By combining straightforward pantry ingredients, you can create a remarkable dish that looks like it took hours of expert cooking.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy them over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread. These marry me chicken meatballs transform effortlessly depending on your occasion. My sister once served them at a casual potluck, and guests were smitten. One friend even declared, “I need the recipe immediately!”
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken: Choose a mix with enough moisture to keep your meatballs tender.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs without making them dense; panko works great too.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, savory depth to the mixture.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Provides an herby touch; feel free to use fresh thyme if available.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Enhances flavor with a signature pungent kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Elevates all other flavors; don’t skimp here.
- Oil for cooking: Ideal for browning the meatballs to a light crisp on the outside.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Forms the base of a velvety sauce without oversalting.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of freshness that help lighten the richness.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Intensely flavorful and tangy, bringing complexity to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Layers additional garlicky goodness into the cream.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Thins the sauce slightly, incorporating savory notes.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star that makes the sauce thick and luxurious.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra savory satisfaction.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances the flavors—taste and season gradually.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Brings brightness and an aromatic finish to the dish.
Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: If you don’t have ground chicken, ground turkey works similarly. It might be slightly leaner, so consider adding a touch more oil to maintain juiciness.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Choose a gluten-free breadcrumb or crushed gluten-free crackers if you have dietary restrictions. This keeps the texture intact while avoiding wheat.
- Vegetable Broth: For anyone cutting back on animal products, vegetable broth can stand in for chicken broth. The flavor will be a tad lighter, yet still pleasantly savory.
- Greek Yogurt for Cream: Want a lighter version? Swap out heavy cream for plain Greek yogurt, but mix it in at a lower temperature to avoid curdling.
- Dried Basil: If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can serve as a backup garnish or stir-in. Use about half the amount you would use fresh.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Beatballs
Time needed: 45 minutes
Get ready for a showstopping dish that’s simpler than it looks. The process is straightforward, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this marry me chicken meatballs recipe time and again.
- Combine the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to avoid toughening the meat.
- Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Over-rolling can lead to dense meatballs, so keep a light touch!
- Brown the Meatballs
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown each side of the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes total. This step seals in moisture and adds a hint of crispness.
- Set Aside
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish or plate. While they rest, prepare the sauce in the same skillet to build layers of flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics
Add butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and swirl it around until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Add Tomatoes
Throw in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for a couple of minutes to soften and release their juices.
- Pour in Liquids
Gently stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, letting it thicken slightly.
- Melt in Cheese
Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes lush and velvety. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finish Cooking
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them in the sauce. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes, ensuring they’re fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil. Serve these marry me chicken meatballs over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for maximum sauce scooping.
Expert Tips to Make It Perfect
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the meatball ingredients to keep them tender, rather than tough or chewy.
- Taste Your Sauce: Adjust the salt gradually. The Parmesan cheese already adds a salty bite, so taste before adding more.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Whenever possible, fresh thyme and basil bring life to the sauce. Dried works in a pinch, but fresh is unbeatable.
- Simmer Gently: High heat can break the cream and overcook the meatballs. Keep the flame moderate to maintain that silky sauce consistency.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine. This marry me chicken meatballs recipe provides the perfect canvas for experimentation. Are you excited to tweak flavors and try new twists?
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili flakes or finely chopped fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a fiery edge. Top each serving with chopped cilantro instead of basil if you’re craving a zesty garnish.
- Citrus Zing: Grate some lemon zest into the cream sauce and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end. This brightens up the richness of the marry me chicken meatballs with a tangy pop.
- Mushroom Medley: Before adding cream, toss in sliced mushrooms to sauté with the garlic and tomatoes. Mushrooms add an earthy dimension, soaking up all that mouthwatering sauce.
- Spinach Infusion: Stir fresh spinach leaves into the sauce just before returning the meatballs to the pan. They wilt quickly and blend seamlessly, bringing extra color and nutrients to your dinner table.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Beatballs
- Refrigerate: After cooking and cooling, place your marry me chicken meatballs in an airtight container. They should stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days in the refrigerator.
- Freeze: For longer storage, arrange meatballs (with or without sauce) on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for about three months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge, then gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid boiling, as it can separate the sauce.
Conclusion
There’s an undeniable allure to these marry me chicken meatballs, from their comforting creaminess to the bursts of tomato and savory Parmesan. Every forkful feels like a special occasion, whether you’re sharing them with family or serving them at a dinner party. If you’ve been craving a new favorite, it’s time to embrace this marry me chicken meatballs recipe in your own kitchen. Let the compliments roll in, and don’t forget to share your culinary triumph with others!
If you loved the rich, creamy flavors of these Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, you’ll be obsessed with the next recipe, Decadently Creamy Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi. It’s just as indulgent, with a comforting Tuscan twist that takes meatballs to a whole new level!
PrintHeavenly Marry Me Chicken Meatball Recipe
These marry me chicken meatballs combine tender ground chicken, succulent tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a dish that truly wows. It’s an irresistible blend of comforting flavors, perfect for both cozy family dinners and impressive special-occasion meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape Meatballs: Gently form the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
- Set Aside: Transfer the meatballs to a plate while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in Liquids: Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Cheese: Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is velvety. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine & Cook: Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- Mind the Mixing: Overworking the meat can create tough meatballs, so use a gentle hand.
- Taste as You Go: The Parmesan contributes saltiness, so season gradually.
- Serve Hot: These meatballs are best enjoyed fresh off the stove, with their sauce still creamy and warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~5-6 meatballs per serving
- Calories: 420 (approx.)
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Common Questions About Marry Me Chicken Beatballs
Yes, you can swap out ground chicken for beef or pork, but the taste will be richer and slightly heavier. Keep an eye on cooking time since these meats can require a bit more browning.
If you’ve gone a bit overboard with chili, tone down the heat by adding more cream or stirring in a small amount of sugar. This helps balance out the spice.
Ensure you use the egg and breadcrumbs as directed. Also, avoid overmixing the meat. A light touch keeps the mixture together without becoming too crumbly or dense.
Absolutely! Simply brown your meatballs first, then transfer them to a slow cooker with the prepared sauce. Cook on low for about 3-4 hours for a hands-off approach to these marry me chicken meatballs.
You can. Make the sauce without adding the meatballs, cool it, and freeze in a sealed container. Thaw and heat gently before adding freshly cooked or reheated meatballs.