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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a fun twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish that has been loved by many for its creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavor. This variation turns the original chicken recipe into tender, juicy meatballs, which are then cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s a dish that is simple enough for weeknight dinners but decadent enough for a special meal. The name “Marry Me Chicken” came from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it might just make someone pop the question!
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🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
Start by preparing the chicken meatballs. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon until fully combined. Be careful not to overmix as that could make the meatballs tough.
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Shape the Meatballs: Use your hands to form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should make about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
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Sear the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Now it’s time to make the creamy, flavorful sauce that will bring everything together.
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Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet you used for the meatballs, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Let the butter melt. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These add a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet element to the sauce, making it more flavorful and complex. Cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. The sauce should start to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, you can allow it to simmer for a few more minutes or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water (about 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water).
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Add Parmesan and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. The Parmesan will help thicken the sauce and add a creamy, cheesy depth of flavor.
3. Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Now that both the meatballs and sauce are ready, it’s time to combine them.
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Return the Meatballs to the Pan: Gently place the seared meatballs back into the pan with the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs to ensure they’re well-coated.
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Simmer the Meatballs: Cover the pan and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 10–15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—chicken meatballs should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Check the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick during the cooking process, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
4. Garnish and Serve
Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is rich and creamy, it’s time to serve!
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Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs for a burst of freshness and flavor. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
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Serve: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over a bed of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The rich sauce pairs well with anything that can soak it up!
🧑🍳 Serving Suggestions
1. Pasta
One of the most popular ways to serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is over pasta. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. The creamy sauce clings to the pasta, making each bite decadent and delicious.
2. Mashed Potatoes
For a hearty meal, serve these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes. The fluffy potatoes absorb the rich sauce and complement the tender meatballs perfectly. You can make traditional mashed potatoes or try a cauliflower mash for a lighter version.
3. Rice or Risotto
Serve the meatballs over a bed of white or brown rice for a simple yet satisfying meal. Alternatively, a creamy risotto would elevate the dish, adding extra richness to the experience. The creamy sauce of the meatballs pairs beautifully with the buttery, cheesy notes in risotto.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, zucchini, and asparagus make a healthy side dish that balances the richness of the meatballs and sauce. The caramelized edges of the vegetables add a slightly smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
🧑🍳 Tips for Success
1. Use Ground Chicken Breast or Thighs
You can make these meatballs with ground chicken breast or thighs. Ground chicken breast will be leaner, while thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful result. You can also use ground turkey as a substitute for chicken if you prefer.
2. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture
When mixing the meatball ingredients, be sure not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined and the ingredients hold together.
3. Don’t Skip Searing the Meatballs
Searing the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce creates a golden, flavorful crust. It also helps lock in the juices, ensuring your meatballs stay tender and juicy. Don’t rush this step!
4. Adjust the Creaminess
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream. For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of liquid or let the sauce simmer for a longer period.
5. Taste and Adjust the Sauce
Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on the saltiness of the sun-dried tomatoes or broth, you may need more or less salt. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the sauce if it feels too rich or heavy.
🧑🍳 Variations and Substitutions
1. Cheese Variations
If you’re a fan of other cheeses, you can swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even Gouda for a slightly different flavor profile. Each of these cheeses will melt beautifully into the sauce and give it a unique twist.
2. Vegetarian Version
To make this dish vegetarian, replace the chicken with plant-based meatballs. Many store-bought vegan meatballs would work well, or you can make your own using a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and oats. The creamy sauce remains the same and is just as delicious!
3. Add Vegetables to the Sauce
If you want to bulk up the sauce with some vegetables, consider adding spinach, kale, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
4. Spicy Version
If you like a little heat, you can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate some finely chopped fresh chili peppers like jalapeños or serranos for a spicier kick.
🧑🍳 Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
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Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of cream or broth when reheating.
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Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. For best results, store the meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Leftovers
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Stovetop: To reheat, place the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce. Cover and simmer until the meatballs are heated through.
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Microwave: Alternatively, you can microwave the meatballs and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
🧑🍳 Health Benefits
Although this dish is indulgent, it offers a number of health benefits due to the use of lean protein and healthy fats.
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Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
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Healthy Fats: The olive oil, butter, and Parmesan cheese provide heart-healthy fats in moderation.
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Calcium: The Parmesan cheese in the meatballs and sauce offers a good source of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
🍴 Conclusion
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are an irresistible, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken meatballs, a rich creamy sauce, and delicious sun-dried tomatoes. Whether you serve them with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors will make it a go-to meal for any occasion. Try it out, and you might just hear a “yes!” at the dinner table. Enjoy!
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or ground turkey)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined (but don’t overwork the meat).
Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs (you should get about 20 meatballs). - Cook the meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs in batches, cooking 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Set aside on a plate. - Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine:
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the creamy sauce.
Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes so they absorb some of the flavors. - Serve:
Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
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