Name: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the meatballs:; 1 lb ground chicken; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking); For the sauce:; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme); Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish); Salt and black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Savory: A creamy, savory sauce that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken meatballs.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.
Versatile: Perfect over pasta, rice, or served with crusty bread.
Family-Friendly: Simple ingredients that are loved by everyone.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into 1½-inch meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-5 minutes until creamy.
Combine & Simmer: Add meatballs back to the skillet, simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Variations

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground chicken with turkey.
Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella to the sauce for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

FAQs

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

The name reflects the dish’s irresistible flavor—so good it might just inspire a proposal!

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

What can I serve with this?

Pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice are great pairings.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, freeze the meatballs and sauce together for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a deliciously rich and creamy dish that’s sure to impress. With juicy chicken meatballs and a flavorful sun-dried tomato sauce, this recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.