Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: A Recipe That Wins Hearts

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are the perfect dish to make someone fall in love with your cooking! This creamy, flavorful recipe combines juicy chicken meatballs with a rich, garlicky sauce that’s so good, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. Therefore, if you’re looking for an easy, delicious meal to impress your family, friends, or that special someone, you’re in the right place. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making these mouthwatering meatballs. Plus, we’ll share tips, tricks, and variations to make this dish your own.

What Are Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe that took the internet by storm. Originally, the dish was a creamy chicken skillet meal with a sauce so tasty it was said to inspire proposals. Now, this version uses chicken meatballs instead of whole chicken breasts, making it fun, bite-sized, and perfect for sharing. Consequently, it’s a great choice for date nights, family dinners, or even meal prep.

The dish gets its name from the irresistible combination of flavors: tender meatballs, a creamy tomato sauce, and a hint of garlic and herbs. For instance, the sauce often includes ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes, which give it a rich, tangy taste. So, let’s dive into why this recipe is so special and how you can make it at home!

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

There are so many reasons to love Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. First, they’re super easy to make, even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen. Second, the ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Third, the dish is versatile—you can serve it with pasta, rice, or even a side of crusty bread. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or a romantic dinner, this recipe will make everyone happy.

Moreover, the creamy sauce is what makes this dish stand out. It’s rich but not too heavy, and the flavors blend perfectly to create a comforting, indulgent meal. In fact, many people say this dish is so good it could convince someone to say “marry me!” after just one bite.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Before you start cooking, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs for about 4 servings:

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• For the Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

These ingredients are easy to find, and you might already have some in your kitchen. For example, if you don’t have sundried tomatoes, you can swap them for fresh cherry tomatoes, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

First, in a large bowl, mix the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything well. Next, roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in size. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

Then, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them to brown all sides. Once they’re golden, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until it smells amazing. After that, stir in the sundried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Add the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Next, put the meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat them. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes, so the meatballs cook through and soak up the flavors. Finally, taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are ready! Serve them hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. They go great with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a simple salad. For instance, spaghetti or fettuccine pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

To make your meatballs even better, try these tips:

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Mixing too much can make the meatballs tough. Just combine until everything sticks together.
• Use a cookie scoop. This makes it easy to form uniform meatballs.
• Check the sauce consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer.
• Add veggies. For extra flavor, toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the sauce.

Additionally, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just cook them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Why Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Are Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special date night, Marry Me Chicken Meatballs fit the bill. For example, they’re quick enough to whip up after a busy day, but they feel fancy enough for a romantic evening. Plus, kids love the bite-sized meatballs, and adults can’t resist the creamy sauce. Therefore, this dish is a win-win for everyone.

If you’re hosting a party, you can even serve these meatballs as an appetizer. Just stick toothpicks in them and let guests dip them in the sauce. Alternatively, you can make a big batch for meal prep and enjoy them throughout the week.

Variations of Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to change it up. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Turkey Meatballs: Swap ground chicken for ground turkey for a slightly different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and broil for a bubbly, cheesy finish.

For more inspiration, check out this classic Marry Me Chicken recipe from Delish to see how the original dish is made.

Healthier Alternatives for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

If you want to make this dish a bit lighter, you can make a few swaps. For instance, use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut calories. Similarly, you can use whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour for the meatballs. However, keep in mind that these changes might slightly alter the taste or texture.

Another option is to bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the sauce. This cuts down on oil and makes cleanup easier.

Pairing Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

To make your meal complete, pair your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with these sides:

• Pasta: Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Bread: A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
• Veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh green salad add a healthy touch.
• Wine: A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy sauce.

For a full menu idea, try this garlic bread recipe from Bon Appétit to serve alongside your meatballs.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Make the meatballs and sauce separately, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce, add the meatballs, and simmer until warm.

Can I Freeze Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

What Can I Use Instead of Sundried Tomatoes?

If you don’t have sundried tomatoes, try fresh cherry tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste for a similar flavor.

Is This Recipe Kid-Friendly?

Yes, kids love the mild flavors and fun meatball shape. Skip the red pepper flakes if they don’t like spice.

Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?

You can use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. With tender meatballs, a creamy sauce, and flavors that pop, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just want a cozy meal, this dish will not disappoint. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a meal that might just inspire a proposal! For more recipe ideas, check out AllRecipes for tons of inspiration.