Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
These marry me chicken meatballs combine tender, juicy baked chicken meatballs with a creamy, sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe stands out with its bold flavor and versatile serving options.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground chicken
- 2 large eggs, slightly 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
- 5 Tbsp. butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4-1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes, adjusted to taste
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves, julienned for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, eggs, garlic, olive oil, panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to overmix.
- Form and bake: Use a 1 1/2-inch scooper or your hands to form meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 minutes, until they’re lightly browned and no longer pink inside. Set aside.
- Start the sauce: Melt butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Create the creamy base: Pour in the chicken broth, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Add the meatballs: Carefully add the baked meatballs to the skillet, coating them well in the sauce. Transfer the skillet to your oven and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and everything is heated through.