Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I find that some dishes have the power to weave stories and create memories. The Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are one such dish. They are not just a meal; they are an experience that brings loved ones together around the table. I remember the first time I made these meatballs for my partner. The aroma of the sizzling chicken and the rich, creamy sauce wafted through my kitchen, instantly making my heart race. I had never seen someone light up with anticipation like that. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love cooking. When you serve these meatballs, you’re not just serving food; you’re serving love and warmth. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special celebration, these Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are bound to impress. They are deliciously tender, bursting with flavor, and topped off with a mouthwatering sauce that lingers on your palate. I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Ingredients

When it comes to the ingredients for the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect flavor profile. The combination of chicken, Parmesan cheese, and a medley of seasonings creates a deliciously balanced dish that’s both satisfying and comforting. Here’s a closer look at what goes into this delightful recipe:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 6 leaves basil, torn

Recipe Directions for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delicious Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. It’s a straightforward process that will have you feeling like a culinary rockstar in your kitchen. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, egg, Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasonings, kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The mixture should be moist but not overly sticky. If your hands are sticking, you can dampen them with a little water to make rolling easier.
2. Roll the mixture into balls about 1 and 1/2 inches in diameter. Use a cookie scoop if you have one; it makes the process much easier and ensures your meatballs are evenly sized.
3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
4. Brown the meatballs on each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to develop a nice golden crust; this adds flavor to the finished dish. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate to keep warm.
5. After the meatballs have been removed, wipe out the pan to remove any breadcrumb residue. Add 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar back to the skillet over medium heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn; you want it to be light golden.
7. Next, stir in the tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, additional Parmesan, and dried Italian seasonings. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine.
8. Once the sauce is simmering, return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes. This will ensure the meatballs are cooked through and infused with all the delicious sauce. Stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. A few minutes before you finish cooking, add in the chopped spinach and torn basil. Cook them into the sauce until the spinach is lightly wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Once everything is cooked, serve the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs warm. You can garnish with additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Making the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is a breeze, but here are some tips and variations to elevate your dish even further:

• Storage: Keep any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They also freeze well for up to three months.
• Freezing: To freeze, place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.
• Pairing: Serve these meatballs over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
• Seasonal Twist: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper or even some diced jalapeños to the mix.
• Cheese Lovers: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping.

Side Dish Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

When it comes to serving Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to complement your dish:

• Pasta: Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine with a generous helping of sauce for a classic Italian meal.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce.
• Salads: A fresh garden salad with a vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with seasonal roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the flavors on your plate.
• Rice: Fluffy rice can be a great base to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Special Occasions: These meatballs are perfect for dinner parties or Valentine’s Day as an impressive yet easy dish to prepare.
• Meal Prep: These meatballs store well for meal prep, making them a great option for busy weeks.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it may just become a favorite in your household! Cooking is all about sharing love and joy, and there’s no better way to do that than with a delicious meal. Enjoy the flavors and the moments they create around your table!

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

The ultimate comfort food, Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are bursting with flavor and creamy goodness. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a romantic occasion, they are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Try this dish tonight for a meal your loved ones will crave!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 20 meatballs

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Cookie scoop

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasonings
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 6 leaves basil, torn

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, Panko breadcrumbs, garlic, Italian seasonings, kosher salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Roll into 1 1/2 inch balls. If your hands are sticking, it helps to dampen them with water.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the pan and cover to keep warm.
• Wipe out the pan to remove any residue. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried Italian seasonings. Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine.
• Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• A few minutes before finishing, add in chopped spinach and basil. Cook until the spinach is slightly wilted. Serve warm with more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Tip 2: To freeze, place cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
• Tip 3: Serve these meatballs over pasta or rice to soak up the sauce.
• Tip 4: Add seasonal vegetables like zucchini for nutrition and flavor.
• Tip 5: Consider adding more crushed red pepper for a spicier dish.

Keyword Chicken Meatballs Recipe, easy dinner recipes, Italian Comfort Food, Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

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Meet Natalie Cole

I’m Natalie! I appreciate simple, honest food that nourishes the soul without requiring hours of effort. I’m always looking for smart shortcuts that save time but never sacrifice quality or taste. I cooked and photographed this meal right here in our kitchen, capturing every step to show you that a beautiful, cozy dinner is completely within reach.