Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s sure to impress. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The dish shows a white plate filled with a base layer of creamy, smooth mashed potatoes that have a slightly fluffy texture and are lightly speckled with black pepper. On top, there are seven golden-brown meatballs coated in a rich, creamy sauce that contains visible small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, giving a mix of red and green specks on the sauce. The meatballs and sauce are garnished with fresh green basil leaves, adding a pop of color. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blurry background showing another plate with the same dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground chicken
1 large egg
1/2 cup panko
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more if you like it spicy)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, minced
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Salt, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 20 meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes. The meatballs will not be fully cooked yet.
Step 3: While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and season with salt as needed.
Step 5: Gently add the partially baked meatballs into the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and are cooked through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil, and serve the meatballs hot, spooning extra sauce over the top.

Tips & Variations

Use turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Add a handful of chopped fresh spinach to the meatball mixture for extra nutrients and color.
If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or zoodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store the cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. This dish also freezes well—freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of creamy meatballs in a rich orange sauce filled with small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes and green fresh herbs sprinkled on top. The meatballs are round and covered fully with the thick sauce, which has a smooth, slightly glossy texture. A wooden spoon is lifting two meatballs, showing their round shape and the creamy coating with bits of herbs and tomato on them. The background features more meatballs all covered in the same sauce, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and bake them when ready to serve. You can also fully cook, cool, and freeze them for quicker future meals.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles. A side of steamed green vegetables or a simple salad also pairs nicely.