Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender ground chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in one pan.
The golden sear on each juicy meatball meets the silky richness of the sauce, filling your kitchen with the coziest aroma like Sunday dinner at home. I first made these on a rainy evening when I was craving something extra warm and nostalgic, and they instantly became a family favorite around our table.
Why You’ll Love These Cozy, Creamy Meatballs
- Creamy, herby bliss – Every bite is coated in a luscious sauce that wraps around the tender meatballs. It’s the kind of flavor that feels like a homemade hug.
- Simple, one-pan magic – With minimal cleanup, this recipe comes together easily, even on your busiest weeknight. You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar!
- Nostalgic comfort – These meatballs spark memories of family dinners and the cozy warmth of being gathered around the table.
- Unbeatable texture – The golden seared outside gives way to a juicy, pillowy interior, making every forkful irresistible.
- “Taste like home” feeling – Whether it’s a quiet dinner or a table full of friends, these meatballs deliver heartwarming comfort and delicious connection every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Chicken: The soul of these meatballs tender, juicy, and beautifully mild, so all the cozy flavors sing through.
- Breadcrumbs: These soak up moisture and keep the meatballs light and soft instead of dense.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness to both the meatballs and sauce.
- Milk: A splash ensures the perfect, pillowy texture in every bite.
- Egg: Helps bind everything together, so your meatballs won’t fall apart mid-simmer.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Double-up for backbone flavor that feels instantly nostalgic.
- Italian Seasoning: A shortcut to herbal goodness think basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a gentle kick, perfect if you love a hint of heat.
- Fresh Garlic: Sautéed for depth and that signature Marry Me aroma.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chewy, sweet-tart bursts that give the sauce major personality.
- Chicken Broth: Provides savory background notes and just the right sauce consistency.
- Heavy Cream: For that luscious, dreamy sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Fresh Basil or Thyme: A sprinkle on top brings everything to life with freshness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
- Mix the Meatballs: In a spacious bowl, gently blend together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, and all the cozy seasonings. Use your hands or a fork lightness is key for tender meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Don’t squeeze them too tightly; this is how you keep them juicy and soft, ready to soak up all that creamy sauce later.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then nestle in the meatballs. Let them get golden and crisp on all sides, but no need to fully cook through they’ll finish poaching in sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Using the same pan, sauté garlic just until fragrant and toss in the sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up those roasty bits, then swirl in cream, Parmesan, herbs, and a dash of heat.
- Simmer to Perfection: Tuck the meatballs back into the sauce. Let them simmer uncovered until the sauce becomes velvety and the meatballs are cooked through and irresistibly tender.
- Serve & Enjoy: Taste, adjust salt and pepper, and crown with fresh basil or thyme. For even more comfort food magic, check out my Creamy Chicken and Gnocchi.
Tips for the Best Results
- Mix lightly for tender meatballs: Gently combine your chicken mixture until just blended overmixing can make the meatballs dense instead of juicy and light.
- Form with damp hands: Rolling the balls using slightly wet hands helps keep the mixture from sticking and creates smooth, tender meatballs.
- Golden sear for flavor: Don’t rush the searing step. Allow those meatballs to develop a deep golden crust it adds irresistible texture and savory, toasty flavor.
- Mind your sauce thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, splash in a little extra broth or cream to loosen it; for a richer finish, simmer a few minutes longer so it hugs the meatballs.
- Flavor-boosters to finish: Stir in an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, a handful of fresh herbs, or a clove of sautéed garlic at the end for brightness. For extra inspiration, check out my Creamy Garlic Chicken.
Variations & Flavor Swaps
- Turn up the heat: Love a little kick? Add extra crushed red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a swirl of Calabrian chili paste to make your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs spicy and vibrant.
- Make it extra cheesy: Stir cubes of mozzarella or fontina into the meatball mixture for gooey pockets of cheese. Or, shower extra parmesan over the skillet just before serving for a salty, golden crust.
- Go dairy-free: Swap the heavy cream for your favorite unsweetened plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan a little coconut cream adds silky body, too.
- Change up the protein: These meatballs are just as dreamy with ground turkey, ground beef, or even a plant-based blend. Each option soaks up that savory sauce in its own comforting way.
- Creative sauce spins: Try a roasted red pepper cream, a garlicky basil sauce, or a bright pesto drizzle on top. For even more flavor inspiration, check out my Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce for a zesty, herby twist!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge-Friendly: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay creamy and tender for up to four days perfect for easy lunches or dinner repeats.
- Freezer Ready: Freeze cooled meatballs (with sauce) in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, making future cozy meals just a quick reheat away.
- Gentle Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive that silky sauce. Microwave on medium power in short bursts if you’re in a hurry.
- Meal Prep Magic: Divide into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing. This makes grabbing a comforting meal for one (or two) a total breeze, and it helps lock in freshness.
- Containers Matter: Opt for glass or high-quality plastic containers with secure lids to preserve moisture and flavor. This keeps the sauce as luscious and creamy as the first night!
How to Serve These Meatballs
- Classic over pasta: Spoon the saucy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over a tangle of fettuccine, spaghetti, or even creamy orzo for the ultimate comfort meal.
- Cozy with mashed potatoes: For a hug-in-a-bowl dinner, nestle these meatballs onto a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes so every bite catches the velvety, sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
- Rustic bread soaker: Serve with thick slices of toasted country bread to mop up every last bit of sauce perfect for casual nights or a cozy dinner with friends.
- Family-style platter: Arrange the meatballs in a big, shallow dish garnished with fresh basil, and let everyone dig in. It’s a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and Sunday suppers.
- Pairings that pop: Balance the richness with a side of lemony arugula salad, buttered green beans, or even Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for a celebration-worthy spread.
- Personal lunch bowl: Portion leftovers over rice or roasted veggies for a next-day lunch that feels like a treat.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Creamy, herby chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce—your new comfort food favorite. Easy, one-pan, and irresistibly cozy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches). Avoid packing too tightly to keep them tender.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or thyme. Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.
Nutrition
Notes
Mix gently for the most tender meatballs, form them with damp hands, and take the time to get a deep golden sear for maximum flavor. Adjust sauce consistency as desired with extra broth or cream. Try adding mozzarella inside or on top for an extra cheesy twist, or swap proteins for variety. Leftovers reheat beautifully and can be frozen for meal prep. Garnish with fresh basil or thyme before serving for a fresh finish!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Can I make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape and sear the meatballs up to a day in advance, then stash them in the fridge. When you’re ready for dinner, just simmer them in the creamy sauce until cooked through. It’s a little shortcut for a cozy meal on a busy night.
What’s the best way to keep the meatballs tender and juicy?
The magic is in mixing gently just enough to combine, but not so much that the meat gets tough. Using milk and breadcrumbs helps lock in moisture, and searing creates that irresistible golden crust while keeping the inside pillow-soft. Don’t worry, you’ve got this!
Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based alternative all work beautifully here. Each option brings its own cozy feel, soaking up the savory sauce and giving you different flavor vibes. Let your taste buds and what’s in your fridge guide you.
Are these meatballs spicy?
Not really they’re creamy and herby, with just a gentle background warmth from a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add more for a kick, or skip it for a completely mild, family-friendly dish. Totally up to you and your spice mood!
