Let me guess. You’ve been sitting around thinking about dinner, and the idea of Marry Me Chicken Meatballs just popped up outta nowhere. Maybe you tried making basic meatballs before (meh) or you fell into a flavor rut. I get it — I actually started fiddling with these after a friend raved about how this dish won over her toughest food critic. If you’ve liked things like best oven roasted boneless chicken breasts or those addicting zesty lemon garlic chicken bites, these meatballs are going to knock your socks off. You’re in for something stupidly easy, totally crave-able, and perfect for sharing.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Here’s the thing about Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. They sound all dramatic and, well, romantic (ha), but it’s really just a one-pan recipe with bonkers-good flavor. You know that whole creamy-tomato thing everyone seems obsessed with? That’s the secret sauce here (literally).
Mixing up chicken with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and a quick creamy pan sauce makes regular ol’ weeknights feel like a five-star affair. When I first made these for my family, they actually clapped at the table… I mean, who claps for meatballs at home? My uncle even asked for the recipe, and he never asks for recipes.
These are tender. Dreamy. Silky, even. And honestly? They’re way faster than you’d think. Not to mention it’s a one-skillet situation, so it won’t destroy your kitchen.
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
Okay, story time. So, Marry Me Chicken started as a viral dish — people joked that it was so tasty, your dinner guest would be popping the question before dessert. It’s more about the irresistible combo of creamy, tangy, and herby flavors than actual marriage proposals.
But folks really do go wild for it; there’s something about the cheesy sauce and juicy chicken that hits different. This meatball remix spins that same magic into bite-sized eats you can smother in sauce (or just stab with a fork and ignore table manners for one night — no judgment).
Seriously, this is one of those “best of both worlds” deals. A little funny, a lot crowd-pleasing, always gone by the end of the night.
Marry Me Chicken Meatball Ingredients
I am a little notorious for forgetting one key ingredient every time I shop… You’ll want to double-check your list before getting started (as learned the hard way), but here’s what you need:
- Ground chicken — buy fresh if you can, or use turkey in a pinch
- Panko breadcrumbs — makes them perfectly tender without being too dense
- Parmesan cheese — don’t skip this, it adds salt and richness
- Garlic — double the amount if you really love it, I do
- Sun-dried tomatoes — the oil-packed ones, chopped up small
- Chicken broth and heavy cream — for that dreamy sauce
- Italian seasoning and chili flakes — just a pinch or so
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
See? Just regular stuff. No weird “supermarket-hunting-for-specialty-goods” situation here.
You can always substitute for allergies or whatever’s in your fridge. Oh, and for my dairy-free pals, coconut cream actually works okay, though the flavor’s a bit beachy.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Alright, you made these saucy beauties… now what? Don’t stress, you’ve got options. Some of my go-to sides:
- Crusty bread: Mop up that sauce. Don’t let it go to waste.
- Simple salad: Toss greens, a little lemon juice, and olive oil, and boom, perfect contrast.
- Pasta: Any shape will do (but shells? Yes, please).
- Steamed green beans: When you’re feeling sort of healthy.
Honestly though, leftovers go great in melt in your mouth chicken breast recipe easy– style sandwiches or even over rice bowls. No rules.
FAQs and tips on making these meatballs
Now, if you’re like me and need some real-world advice instead of fancy chef nonsense, here are my honest tips:
These meatballs pack in the flavor, but if your mix feels too sticky, dust your hands with a bit of flour when rolling. For extra browning, start the meatballs in a hot pan before the sauce, then let them finish simmering. And please, don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. They add such a pop of flavor.
One thing that’s saved dinner at my place is making a double batch and freezing half. They reheat shockingly well! If you want to spice it up, throw in extra chili flakes, or add a spoonful of pesto at the end.
Here’s a little something from a regular reader:
“I’ve tried dozens of meatball recipes but the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are on constant repeat at our house now. The sauce is so good my picky teenager actually licked the plate. No joke!” – Jeanie, Illinois
Common Questions
How do I keep my meatballs from being dry?
Use a bit more cream or cheese in the mix, or swap in a spoonful of ricotta. Don’t overcook them. That’s my golden rule.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yep! Shape ‘em in the morning, keep them covered in the fridge, and cook at dinner. Sauce can be reheated real quick, too.
What’s the best side for these on a busy night?
Honestly, crusty bread or buttered noodles. Takes five minutes, everyone’s happy.
Are leftovers any good?
They microwave like champs. Or dump them on a what makes a Mexican taco shell for a wild fusion meal. I do this more than I should admit.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Totally. The texture’s a little different, but my aunt swears by it.
You’ve Gotta Try This Honestly
Okay, so if you’re looking for a true crowd-pleaser, don’t wait until your next date night. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are straight-up easier than people expect and taste like something a chef whipped up just for you. Save the fancy effort for another day.
Ready to experiment with more cozy-recipes? Check out the version at Marry Me Chicken Meatballs – The Beach House Kitchen for a different take, or try my favorite easy crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe when you want something low-fuss. Trust me, it’s worth the mess in the kitchen. Tag me if you try these — I love seeing the real-life results!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Meatballs
Tender and creamy meatballs made with ground chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a delicious creamy sauce that’s sure to impress.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken (or turkey)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat, and pour in the remaining chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly and the meatballs are cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or a simple salad.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a spoonful of pesto or another pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: meatballs, chicken, Marry Me Chicken, easy dinner, creamy sauce