If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe. This irresistible meal combines tender, flavorful chicken meatballs with a dreamy, luscious sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of spice. Every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you craving just one more forkful of that creamy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable symphony of taste and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is easy thanks to ingredients that are both accessible and packed with purpose. Each one adds its own magic, building layers of flavor, texture, and that stunning color contrast that makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Ground chicken: The lean and tender base for juicy meatballs that stay soft and flavorful.
- Eggs: Help bind the meatballs, keeping them perfectly shaped and moist.
- Plain panko breadcrumbs: Lightly add structure without weighing down the meatballs.
- Fresh chopped basil: Infuses the dish with herbaceous brightness and aroma.
- Garlic paste: A punch of savory depth, essential for flavor complexity.
- Herbes de Provence: A fragrant blend adding an earthy, floral dimension.
- Onion powder and smoked paprika: Provide warmth and subtle smoky undertones.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhance all other flavors with balanced seasoning.
- Olive oil: For browning meatballs and sautéing shallots, adding richness.
- Shallot: Adds mild sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil: Bring vibrant tang and a chewy, luscious bite.
- Dry white wine: Lifts the sauce with acidity and complexity.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and depth to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Provide a gentle heat that awakens the palate.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory foundation for the sauce.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Creates the creamy texture and a slight tropical note, replacing traditional cream.
- Fresh chopped basil and Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Make Meatballs
Start by gently combining ground chicken, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, chopped basil, garlic paste, herbes de Provence, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Be careful not to overmix to keep your meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape Meatballs
Using a medium-sized scoop, portion out the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Roll them lightly between your hands to create smooth, uniform shapes. This ensures even cooking and a pretty presentation.
Step 3: Brown Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Place meatballs in the pan without overcrowding them so they brown beautifully on all sides. Once golden, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make Marry Me Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté finely diced shallots until soft and translucent. Add garlic paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly for an intense flavor base.
Step 5: Simmer Sauce
Stir in Dijon mustard, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a simmer and let the flavors meld. Then, pour in the creamy coconut milk, stirring gently as the sauce thickens and turns rich and velvety.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Lower the heat and nestle the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Add fresh chopped basil and Parmesan cheese, tossing everything together so the meatballs are luxuriously coated. Allow them to cook in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and the sauce has reached the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil leaves on top adds a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of color, brightening the dish visually and on the palate. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can also elevate the richness and provide a delightful salty contrast.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up all the amazing sauce. Alternatively, roasted vegetables or buttered pasta can offer a satisfying textural contrast and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer-style dish. You can also spoon them over spiralized zucchini noodles to lighten it up without sacrificing any of the indulgent taste that makes the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe so beloved.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs and sauce store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for an even tastier second serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatballs either in sauce or separately on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen leftovers keep well for up to 3 months and offer a convenient meal option anytime you crave something comforting.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly without drying out the meatballs. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well in this recipe, giving you a similarly mild flavor with a slightly different texture. Just be mindful not to overcook, so the meatballs stay moist.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If you prefer a dairy option, heavy cream or half-and-half can be used instead of coconut milk for that creamy texture. Coconut milk adds a subtle hint of sweetness, but the dish is delicious either way.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They are a key flavor component in the sauce, providing tangy richness and depth. If you don’t have any on hand, sun-dried tomato paste or finely chopped roasted red peppers can be a good alternative.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the plain panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth but nothing overwhelming. Feel free to adjust the amount or leave them out entirely for a milder flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe is truly a magical dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from cozy weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Its combination of tender meatballs and a rich, flavorful sauce makes every bite a moment to savor. I encourage you to dive in and make it your own, because once you try it, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too.
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender and flavorful chicken meatballs cooked in a luscious, creamy sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and fresh herbs. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes or rice for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Marry Me Sauce:
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra if needed)
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 (7-8 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, drained and chopped (reserve oil)
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- ½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, chopped basil, garlic paste, herbes de Provence, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Use a medium scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Roll each meatball between your hands to form a smooth, even shape.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place meatballs in the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Make Marry Me Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced shallot and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine reduce slightly and the tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the canned full-fat coconut milk, allowing the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Reduce heat to low and add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir in fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing the meatballs to coat fully. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the creamy marry me chicken meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. Garnish with additional fresh basil for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried can be substituted but reduce quantity by half.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes as desired.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated gently in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
