Description
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs feature juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. This easy yet sophisticated dish combines lean protein with decadent flavors, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. Ready in about 30 minutes, it offers a comforting and romantic meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Form and Sear the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the skillet and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish the Sauce and Simmer Meatballs: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a low simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook gently until meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan over the meatballs. Serve hot alongside your preferred side dishes for a heart-winning meal.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Searing meatballs before simmering adds flavor and a delightful texture.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the final dish remarkably.
- Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth for thinner sauce or simmering uncovered for thicker sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4-5 meatballs)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, gluten-free, comfort food, Italian seasoning
