Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: Creamy, Flavor-Packed Comfort in Every Bite

There’s a reason this dish is called Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. The first time I served them at a cozy dinner for friends, there was an audible silence at the table the kind that happens when everyone is too busy savoring their food to speak. Then, someone joked, “These are so good, I’d marry you for them!” And just like that, a recipe legend was born.

These meatballs are juicy, tender, and simmered in a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a dish that looks elegant enough for entertaining yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’ve been searching for a meal that impresses without stress, this is the one.

this Recipe

What Are Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

Marry Me Chicken is a viral recipe that originated from a creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken skillet dish. The meatball version takes all those same irresistible flavors Parmesan, garlic, cream, and Italian herbs and rolls them into tender, golden-brown chicken meatballs. They’re then simmered in a decadent sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. The result? A dish so irresistible, it might just inspire a marriage proposal.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These meatballs are a total crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

• Ultra juicy meatballs with Parmesan and herbs baked right in
• One-pan meal that’s simple to make but feels gourmet
• Perfect for any occasion from romantic dinners to family nights
• Pairs with everything pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or bread
• Rich and creamy sauce that elevates every bite

If you’re a fan of Italian-inspired flavors and creamy comfort food, this is about to be your new favorite.

How Do They Taste?

Imagine biting into a tender, juicy chicken meatball bursting with flavor, then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. The sauce is silky with a tangy-sweet note from the tomatoes and a gentle kick of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, and when paired with pasta or crusty bread, it’s simply divine.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Though indulgent, these meatballs come with some wholesome perks:

• Chicken is leaner than beef or pork while still providing protein.
• Garlic and herbs add antioxidants and flavor without extra calories.
• Sun-dried tomatoes bring vitamin C and concentrated flavor.
• Spinach or kale (optional add-in) can increase fiber and nutrients.

Balanced with a side salad or veggie, this can be part of a satisfying, nourishing meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground chicken
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet or skillet
• Large sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Protein: Use ground turkey or pork instead of chicken.
• Dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
• Low-carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, kale, or zucchini to the sauce.
• Extra richness: Stir in a splash of white wine before adding cream.

How to Make

1. Mix meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
2. Form balls: Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
3. Cook meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove and set aside.
4. Make sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add liquids: Stir in cream and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan until sauce thickens slightly.
7. Finish meatballs: Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F internal temp).
8. Optional greens: Stir in spinach and let wilt before serving.
9. Serve: Garnish with parsley or basil. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

What to Serve With

• Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne)
• Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture it makes them dense.
• Sear before simmering adds golden color and flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and taste.
• Simmer gently boiling can break the sauce.
• Check doneness with a thermometer (165°F is perfect).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too lean chicken: Can make dry meatballs add a little olive oil or use 93% lean, not 99%.
• Skipping the sear: The crust adds huge flavor.
• Too much liquid: Sauce should coat the back of a spoon, not be soupy.
• Overcooking: Meatballs turn tough past 165°F.

How to Store & Reheat

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream, or microwave in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, then finish in the sauce.

Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely — prep and refrigerate the raw meatballs up to 24 hours ahead.

Can I use jarred Alfredo instead of making sauce?
You can, but the homemade sauce is much richer and fresher.

Can I make these spicy?
Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving of 4 meatballs with sauce)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 29g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 740mg
• Calcium: 180mg

Conclusion

These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are creamy, tender, and irresistibly flavorful the kind of dish that wins hearts and keeps people coming back for seconds. Whether you serve them for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep, they’ll always deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. So go ahead whip up a batch, and don’t be surprised if someone asks for your hand in marriage afterward!

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August 16, 2025 by Melissa