Ready to fall in love at first bite? These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are irresistibly tender and flavorful, swimming in a rich, creamy sundried tomato sauce that’s sure to win over anyone at the dinner table. With perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs and a luscious sauce made from garlic, Parmesan, and sundried tomatoes, this dish is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a special family meal, these meatballs are the perfect choice. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 2 lbs. ground chicken
- 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup seasoned panko crumbs
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your liking)
- 1 cup of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup white cooking wine
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves, julienned (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, beaten eggs, minced garlic, panko crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Use your hands or a cookie scoop to form the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the meatballs in batches until they are browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it releases its aroma.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, followed by the sundried tomatoes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the white cooking wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Then, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to ensure they are well coated.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve the meatballs hot with the creamy sauce over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread on the side.
Conclusion:
These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are an indulgent, comforting dish that’s sure to make your dinner extra special. The combination of tender meatballs and a creamy, flavorful sauce is pure perfection. Whether you’re making this for a romantic occasion or a cozy family meal, this dish is bound to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the delicious, heartwarming flavors in every bite!