These creamy marry me chicken meatballs are simply delightful! Juicy chicken mixed with tasty herbs and covered in a rich, creamy sauce makes for a dish that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, these meatballs have a way of making everyone smile. I love serving them with pasta or just some crusty bread to soak up that yummy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to make this often!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star ingredient! It’s lean and makes the meatballs tender. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, you could substitute ground turkey or even ground beef. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will change a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a wonderful flavor to the meatballs and sauce. If you’re dairy-free, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheese-like flavor, or try vegan cheese shreds. You can also use pecorino cheese for a sharper taste!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have these on hand, olives or roasted red peppers can be good alternatives. Just chop them up a bit for even distribution.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy richness. For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just be cautious about flavor differences.
How Do I Ensure My Meatballs Stay Moist and Flavorful?
Creating perfect meatballs takes a little attention, especially to keep them juicy. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix your ingredients! Gently combine everything to avoid dense meatballs.
- Use a blend of breadcrumbs and cheese. The breadcrumbs absorb moisture while cheese adds flavor.
- Be mindful of cooking time. Meatballs should be golden on the outside but cooked through on the inside—8-10 minutes is usually perfect for this!
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes at the end. This helps them soak up flavors and stay moist.
Overall, enjoy making these meatballs and don’t forget to taste as you go! They’ll surely impress anyone you serve them to.
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano and basil
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (a few whole pieces for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes of preparation time and another 20 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 40 minutes. You’ll have juicy meatballs simmering in a rich, creamy sauce in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Meatballs:
In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Gently mix everything together until all ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix!
2. Shaping the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Set them all aside on a plate while you prepare to cook.
3. Cooking the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches — don’t crowd the pan. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them on a plate.
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil or butter if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Adding the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavorful bits stuck there. This will add extra taste to your sauce!
6. Thickening the Sauce:
Stir in the additional Parmesan cheese, paprika, chili powder, and dried herbs. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. It should be creamy and delicious!
7. Incorporating the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce, saving a few to garnish later. Stir them in well.
8. Combining Everything:
Now return the meatballs to the skillet, making sure each one is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for another 3-5 minutes to combine the flavors.
9. Final Touches:
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. You want that perfect balance of flavors.
10. Serving:
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with sliced fresh basil or parsley, and don’t forget to sprinkle those reserved sun-dried tomatoes on top. They’ll add a lovely touch!
11. Enjoy Your Meal!
These creamy marry me chicken meatballs are fantastic served over pasta, with mashed potatoes, or with some crusty bread to soak up that lovely sauce. Enjoy every bite of your rich, comforting meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free cheese alternative for the Parmesan and substituting the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with water until smooth for a creamy substitute!
Can I Freeze Leftover Meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the sauce or microwave.
What Should I Serve with These Meatballs?
These creamy marry me chicken meatballs go wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce. You can also serve them over zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option!
