Marry Me Chicken Meatballs in Creamy Sundried Tomato Sauce

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!