Description
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Rumor has it that these meatballs are so delicious, they’ll have someone proposing after just one bite! Juicy, tender meatballs made with ground chicken, paired with a rich, creamy sauce featuring sundried tomatoes—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for date night or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs bring comfort food to a whole new level!
2 lbs. ground chicken
2 large eggs, beaten
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup seasoned panko crumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
Sauce: 5 Tbsp butter, 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tsp Italian seasoning, etc.
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix meatball ingredients, scoop onto trays, bake for 18 mins.
3. For the sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, seasoning, wine, cream, and cheese. Simmer and combine with meatballs.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Kcal: 740
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, beaten eggs, minced garlic, panko crumbs, grated Parmesan, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a fork to mix gently until just combined—overmixing will make the meatballs tough.
2. Form and Bake: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them about an inch apart. Bake in the preheated 400°F oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
3. Make the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Carefully pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, simmering for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the sundried tomatoes.
4. Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done, gently add them to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat thoroughly and let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
These creamy meatballs are incredibly versatile. For a classic pairing, serve them over a bed of freshly cooked fettuccine or pappardelle pasta. They also shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, or a simple risotto. To balance the richness, add a crisp side salad with a lemony vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus or green beans. Don’t forget extra grated Parmesan for sprinkling on top!
How-to Summary
In short: Mix ground chicken with binders and seasonings, form into balls, and bake. Simultaneously, create a creamy, garlicky sauce with butter, garlic, wine, cream, and Parmesan. Combine the baked meatballs with the sauce, simmer briefly, and serve over your chosen base for a decadent, restaurant-quality meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely. Ground turkey is a great 1:1 substitute and will yield a similar texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently in a skillet and add the meatballs to warm through.
What can I use if I don’t have white wine? Substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth. For extra depth, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to mimic the wine’s acidity.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart? Ensure your panko crumbs are properly integrated to act as a binder. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15 minutes before baking also helps them hold their shape.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Meatballs? Yes. Freeze the cooked, sauced meatballs in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: This develops too much protein, resulting in dense, rubbery meatballs. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Using Fresh Breadcrumbs: Seasoned panko is specified for its light, crisp texture and flavor. Fresh crumbs can make the mixture too wet and heavy.
- Boiling the Sauce: After adding cream and cheese, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer. Boiling can cause it to separate or become grainy.
- Skipping the Deglaze: Pouring the wine into the hot pan and scraping up the browned bits is crucial for building a deep, flavorful sauce foundation.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs truly live up to their name, offering an unforgettable combination of juicy, herbed meatballs and a luxuriously creamy sauce. This dish is surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for both special occasions and elevating a weeknight dinner. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a meal that’s guaranteed to impress and delight anyone lucky enough to have a seat at your table.