Marry Me Chicken Meatballs create a creamy, tender, flavorful dish that feels special yet stays simple enough for weeknights. The sauce blends garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan to make chicken meatballs and sauce that impress every time. You will learn how to shape delicate meatballs, how to build the signature sauce, how to make Merry Me Meatballs Crockpot versions, and what goes with chicken meatballs for a full meal. These meatballs work well for Chicken And Eggs Dinner options, Turkey And Chicken Meatballs mixes, and easy Marry Me Crockpot Meatballs for busy days.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
The Story Behind the Recipe
I am Barbara Anderson, the heart behind KoyaRecipes.com, where I share comforting food that turns everyday meals into moments worth remembering. My love for cooking began in my grandmother’s warm kitchen, where I learned to measure by feel and season with love. Today, as a busy mom, I still follow those values while creating recipes that feel familiar, flavorful, and doable. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs reflect everything I adore about simple cooking made special. They offer creamy comfort, quick prep, and flavors that make family dinner truly joyful.
Key Reasons This Recipe Stands Out
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs deliver deep garlic flavor, aromatic herbs, and creamy richness in every bite. The meatballs stay moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned. The sauce coats beautifully, creating a dish ideal for guests or quiet evenings at home. This recipe adapts easily into Chicken Meatballs In White Sauce, Turkey And Chicken Meatballs mixes, or slow-cooked Merry Me Meatballs Crockpot versions. It is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for celebrations.
Ingredients
Detailed Ingredient List with Tips and Substitutions
Chicken: Use ground chicken for tenderness. Ground turkey also works well.
Breadcrumbs: Help structure the meatballs. Use panko for lighter texture.
Parmesan: Adds saltiness and depth. Freshly grated tastes best.
Garlic: Fresh garlic builds classic Marry Me flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose oil-packed varieties. They add sweetness and richness.
Cream: Heavy cream creates the iconic sauce texture.
Butter: Adds silky body to the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Helps lift the flavors and thin the sauce slightly.
Spices: Basil, thyme, paprika, and chili flakes create balance.
Ingredient Notes and Pro Tips
• Use cold ground chicken for easier shaping.
• Add an egg for extra binding. This step helps prevent breaking.
• For creamy Chicken Meatballs And Sauce, simmer gently to avoid splitting.
• Substitute coconut milk for dairy-free adjustments.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and an egg until combined.
- Shape into evenly sized meatballs.
- Heat oil in a pan and sear meatballs until golden.
- Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same pan and sauté garlic.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and paprika. Cook briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth and simmer.
- Add cream and parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Return meatballs to the pan and simmer until cooked through.
- Serve warm with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Common Variations and Flavor Adjustments
• For Chicken Meatballs In White Sauce, omit tomatoes and add extra parmesan.
• For Turkey And Chicken Meatballs, use half turkey for lighter texture.
• For Marry Me Crockpot Meatballs, sear meatballs first and cook on low for four hours.
• Add jam to the cream sauce for Dinner Recipes With Jam flavor notes.
Serving Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These meatballs pair beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, creamy pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread. When deciding what goes with chicken meatballs, roasted vegetables, garlic green beans, and fresh salads add perfect balance. For Chicken And Eggs Dinner, serve with a soft-poached egg on the plate.
How to Make It Look Beautiful on the Plate
Garnish with fresh basil, cracked pepper, and parmesan. Serve in a shallow bowl to showcase the creamy sauce. Add bright roasted vegetables for contrast and color.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Expert Tips for Success
• Sear meatballs well for deeper flavor.
• Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Grate parmesan finely for a smoother sauce.
• Simmer gently for extra tenderness.
Troubleshooting Advice
• If sauce becomes too thick, add broth.
• If meatballs fall apart, add more breadcrumbs.
• If flavors taste flat, add salt or parmesan.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Typical Cooking or Prep Errors
• Overmixing the meatball mixture makes them dense.
• Boiling the sauce causes curdling.
• Using low-fat cream reduces richness.
How to Fix or Prevent Them
• Mix lightly by hand.
• Keep heat medium-low.
• Stick to heavy cream for best texture.
Storage and Reheating
Best Way to Store Leftovers
Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheating Methods that Maintain Texture
Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid drying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan searing?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 18 minutes before adding them to the sauce.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?
Yes. Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce together for up to three months.
How can I lighten this recipe?
Use turkey instead of chicken and replace cream with half-and-half.
Can I skip sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but the flavor changes. Add extra garlic or paprika for balance.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs combine creamy richness, irresistible aroma, and family-friendly comfort in one pan. This dish stays simple yet feels special every time you serve it. Try it for weeknights, gatherings, or cozy February Meal Ideas and enjoy every flavorful bite.
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner Recipe
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, juicy, and simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy weeknight meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
1 egg
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil (optional – adds moisture)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp fresh basil, minced
½ tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste
Marry Me Sauce
1 tbsp butter
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
⅓ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (room temp)
⅓ cup grated fresh Parmesan (room temp)
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Fresh basil, chiffonade (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs:
2. In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients; mix until just combined.
3. Roll into ~30 small meatballs; place on a tray.
4. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium.
5. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
6.
7. Make the Sauce:
8. Let skillet cool slightly and wipe excess oil.
9. Add butter and garlic; cook 30 seconds.
10. Add chicken broth; simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly reduced.
11. Remove from heat, whisk in heavy cream.
12. Add Parmesan and stir until melted.
13.
14. Finish the Dish:
15. Return skillet to heat.
16. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasonings.
17. Bring to a low simmer.
18. Add meatballs back in and simmer 3–4 minutes.
19. Serve topped with sauce and fresh basil.
Notes
Lighter: Use ground chicken breast, half-and-half (+1 tbsp flour), reduce Parmesan by half.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk, nutritional yeast, vegan butter.
Gluten-Free: Use GF panko.
Whole30: Use almond flour, coconut milk, ghee/olive oil, and omit Parmesan.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth. Freeze meatballs (without sauce) for quick future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 361
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 608mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
