If comfort food could double as a love letter, these Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs would win hearts at first bite. Imagine juicy, golden chicken meatballs nestled in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of herbs—this recipe is pure weeknight magic that tastes like a special occasion, but is secretly simple enough for anyone to make at home.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is that each ingredient is easy to find, yet brings something special to the table. Every component plays a starring role, from the moist, tender meatballs to the decadently creamy sauce that ties everything together.

Ground chicken: Lean yet juicy, ground chicken is the perfect blank canvas for absorbing all those dreamy flavors.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them irresistibly tender.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory punch both inside the meatballs and in the sauce for maximum flavor.
Egg: Acts as the glue, giving the meatballs structure without making them dense.
Garlic (fresh and minced): Sautéed garlic brings gorgeous depth to both the meatballs and the silky sauce.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses every bite with a hint of the Mediterranean.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps the meatballs brown beautifully in the skillet.
Butter: Used for sautéing and flavor in the sauce, it brings a touch of indulgence.
Chicken broth: Adds body to the sauce and amplifies the savory notes.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety texture in the sauce.
Chili flakes (optional): For just a whisper of heat that balances the richness.
Dried thyme and oregano: Earthy, aromatic herbs that give the sauce authentic Italian flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): A burst of tangy sweetness and gorgeous color in every forkful.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A scattering of fresh herbs for a vibrant finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

Start by combining ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently mix everything until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Once the mixture is uniform, shape it into 16 to 18 small meatballs, each about the size of a golf ball. This is your moment for a little kitchen meditation; rolling the meatballs can be surprisingly soothing!

Step 2: Brown and Cook the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, gently nestle your meatballs into the pan (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding). Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure they get a beautiful golden crust on all sides and are cooked through. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep them warm—you’ll be welcoming them back very soon.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and take a moment to scrape up all those golden, flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—this is where the magic happens! Stir in the heavy cream, more Parmesan, chili flakes (if you want a little kick), thyme, oregano, and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it begins to thicken and the sun-dried tomatoes have softened.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over each one so they’re luxuriously coated. Let them simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes—the meatballs will soak up even more flavor, and the sauce will become rich and creamy. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley over the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs for a burst of color and freshness. Your masterpiece is now ready to be devoured!

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Garnishes

The final flourish is all about visual appeal and a touch of brightness. Chopped fresh basil offers a sweet, peppery pop, while parsley lends freshness and a lovely green contrast to the creamy sauce. If you love a little extra zing, a dusting of chili flakes or a final grating of Parmesan over the top is completely irresistible.

Side Dishes

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs play beautifully with so many sides! Spoon them over a tangle of pasta, a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice—each soaks up the savory sauce in its own way. For something lighter, pair with sautéed greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs into dinner-party stars by serving them in a shallow bowl with toasted bread for dipping. You can also make mini meatballs and thread them onto skewers for a fun appetizer. Or, stuff them into warm, crusty sub rolls, smothered in extra sauce and melted cheese, for the ultimate comfort food sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool before transferring, and keep the sauce and meatballs together to maintain the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on busy weeknights, these meatballs freeze very well! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with the sauce. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave them in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. The flavors just get better as they meld together!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic swap and keeps the meatballs equally moist and flavorful. Just be sure to use ground turkey that isn’t too lean to prevent dryness.

Is there a way to make these dairy free?

You can substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a rich plant-based cream for the sauce, and opt for dairy-free butter. The result will be different but still delicious and creamy!

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, baking is a great hands-off option. Arrange the shaped meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until cooked through, then add them to the sauce as usual.

What’s the best way to prevent the meatballs from sticking to my hands?

Lightly oiling your hands or dipping them in water before shaping the meatballs makes the process much less sticky and helps you roll smooth, even spheres.

How spicy is the sauce?

The chili flakes are totally optional, so you can adjust the heat to your liking. Add a pinch for a mild warmth or leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder, creamier experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow yourself (and maybe someone special), don’t wait another day to try Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. They’re pure comfort, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Gather your ingredients and start creating some magic—you won’t regret it!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is a delicious main course featuring tender chicken meatballs in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
salt and pepper to taste
chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs and cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, chili flakes, thyme, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until slightly thickened. Return meatballs to the skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer. Garnish before serving.

Notes

Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
You can use ground turkey instead of chicken.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of white wine.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American