Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting skillet dinner is quick to prepare and perfect served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. The rich sauce features garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, making this dish both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes total. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Finish the Sauce and Cook Meatballs: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until melted and combined. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Cover the pan and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the meatballs just before serving for added freshness and aroma. Serve warm over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use ground chicken thigh instead of breast meat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers if preferred.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a convenient meal prep option.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
