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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful bites made with lean ground chicken and a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, all served in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This easy-to-prepare recipe offers a healthier twist on traditional meatballs without sacrificing taste, making it perfect for dinners, appetizers, or party snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate ready for cooking.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
  4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens.
  5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together beautifully.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to ensure tender meatballs.
  • Use a scoop for even meatball sizing and cooking.
  • Browning the meatballs adds essential caramelized flavor.
  • Keep the sauce at a low simmer to maintain a creamy texture and prevent separation.
  • Let the meatballs rest in the sauce off heat for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy tomato sauce, easy meatballs, gluten-free chicken meatballs, weeknight dinner, party appetizers

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/marry-me-chicken-meatballs/