Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender baked chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce that feels perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken Meatballs
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Marry Me Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup white cooking wine
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for the sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, eggs, olive oil, seasoned panko, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Use a small scoop or spoon to form bite-sized meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- For the sauce, melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute.
- Pour in the white cooking wine and let it simmer for about a minute. Add the chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Nestle the baked meatballs into the sauce, spooning some of the sauce over the tops, and transfer the skillet to the 400°F (200°C) oven.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the meatballs are heated through. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, brown the meatballs under the broiler for a minute or two before adding them to the sauce. Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.