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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 137 reviews

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful ground chicken meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce. This comforting dish combines Italian-inspired flavors with an easy baking method, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the meatballs.
  2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, egg, panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 20 evenly sized meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball, ensuring they are compact and uniform for even cooking.
  4. Bake Meatballs Partially: Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them for 8 minutes. Note that meatballs will be partially cooked but not fully done at this point.
  5. Make Sauce Base: While the meatballs bake, heat butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until melted. Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Prepare Creamy Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, minced sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly, tasting and adjusting salt as needed.
  7. Coat Meatballs in Sauce: Gently add the partially baked meatballs into the sauce, turning them to coat thoroughly but carefully to avoid breaking them.
  8. Finish Cooking Meatballs: Transfer the skillet with meatballs and sauce to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh basil over the meatballs, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Panko breadcrumbs help keep meatballs tender and light.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • The sauce can be made a day ahead; reheat gently before serving.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to go directly from stovetop to oven without transferring.

Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, Italian chicken recipe, baked meatballs, comfort food

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