marry me chicken meatballs recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
marry me chicken meatballs recipe
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The Best marry me chicken meatballs recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite recipe for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. This dish is a staple in our household, and I’ve been making it for years. The story behind this recipe is that it’s a classic Italian-American dish that originated from the northeastern United States.

The name ‘Marry Me’ comes from the fact that the dish is so good, it’ll make you want to marry the person who made it for you. My family loves this recipe because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The best part is that it’s a great way to get my kids to eat vegetables, as the meatballs are loaded with finely chopped onions and bell peppers.

We like to serve this dish with a side of pasta or a green salad, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The health benefits of this recipe are also a bonus, as the chicken meatballs are lean protein and the sauce is made with olive oil and tomatoes. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and I’m happy to be able to share it with you today.

The key home cooking technique in this recipe is browning the meatballs in a hot skillet before finishing them in the oven, which gives them a nice crust on the outside and a tender interior. I’ve experimented with different types of meatballs over the years, but this combination of chicken, beef, and pork is still my favorite. It’s a classic for a reason!

I’ve included some tips below for customizing this recipe to your taste.

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

4.6 from 1387 votes

These tender chicken meatballs are simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The combination of savory meatballs and a luscious sauce makes this a dish that is sure to impress.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4Shape the mixture into 1.
5-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
5Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are lightly browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
8Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
9Let it reduce by half, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
10Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
11Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
12Gently stir to coat them evenly and let them simmer together for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
13The sauce will appear glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
14Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh basil.
15Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
16Serve the meatballs immediately over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can also use ground turkey instead of chicken. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Works

One thing I love about this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs recipe is that it freezes beautifully. Simply shape and bake as directed, then freeze individual portions on baking sheets until frozen solid.

Transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat frozen meatballs in the microwave on high for 30-60 seconds per serving or until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Q: What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

The recipe calls for a combination of chicken breast, beef, and pork. You can substitute ground turkey or pork only if you prefer.

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming too dry?

To keep the meatballs moist, make sure not to overmix the meat mixture when forming the balls.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in place of Parmesan?

You can substitute other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Asiago if you prefer.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat these meatballs?

You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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