Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs feature tender ground chicken formed into juicy meatballs, simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. This comforting yet sophisticated dish is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering a harmonious blend of flavors that delight every time.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour)
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (or almond flour for low-carb/gluten-free option)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for browning
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, bread crumbs (or almond flour), grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onions, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into even-sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for a few minutes until golden.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Remove the meatballs temporarily. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and gently simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting meatballs cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the meatballs to add color and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently to keep meatballs tender and moist.
- Uniform Size Matters: Shape meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
- Sear Before Simmering: Browning adds essential texture and flavor.
- Use Quality Broth: Choose a flavorful, low-sodium chicken broth.
- Let the Sauce Thicken: Simmer sauce until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy sauce, Marry Me Chicken, comfort food, quick dinner, gluten-free meatballs, easy chicken recipe