Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s tender, juicy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress, these Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are exactly what you need. Bathed in a creamy sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce, these meatballs are perfect for family dinners, date nights, or anytime you want a show-stopping meal that gets rave reviews. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

The creamy, savory sauce is absolutely irresistible and perfect for bread-dipping!
These meatballs are extra juicy and tender, thanks to a combo of ground Chicken and parmesan.
Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Easy to make ahead and taste even better the next day.
Customizable for different diets and preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tbsp milk
2 cloves garlic, minced (for meatballs)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Total Time:

35-40 minutes

Step 1: Make the Chicken Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix or they’ll be tough!).
Form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs in a single layer (you may need to work in 2 batches).
Brown meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes (they don’t need to cook through yet).
Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add butter.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using.
Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, turning to coat in the sauce.
Cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs reach 165°F and are cooked through.
Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Use ground turkey or pork for a tasty twist if you’re out of chicken.
For extra tenderness, avoid overmixing the meatball mixture.
Double the sauce if you love things extra creamy or are serving over pasta.

Variations

Low Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Vegetarian: Sub out chicken for plant-based ground meat and use veggie broth.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet or plate
Large skillet (12-inch preferred)
Measuring cups & spoons
Spatula or tongs

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, pasta (try fettuccine or penne), or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted green beans for a complete meal.
Top with extra parmesan and fresh herbs for an elegant finish.

Pro Tips

Grate your own parmesan for the best melt and flavor in both meatballs and sauce.
If your sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely for even distribution and a burst of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.

FAQ

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, then add to the sauce to simmer and finish cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely—these meatballs and sauce reheat beautifully. Just store them together in the fridge and gently warm on the stove before serving.

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients