Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe for a Romantic Dinner

If you’re looking to win over your special someone with a mouthwatering dish, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. This delectable recipe combines juicy ground chicken meatballs with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that will have your partner swooning. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs, these meatballs are a true labor of love that’s sure to make a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

To create this irresistible dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to form a flavor-packed meal. Let’s dive into the details:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for browning meatballs)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Variations and Garnishes:

• Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños (for a spicy kick)
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour
• Finely grated zucchini or carrots (added to meatballs)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese, basil, or olive oil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Now, let’s get down to the business of creating these irresistible Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress your loved one.

Make Meatball Mixture:

In a bowl, combine the ground chicken, Parmesan, garlic, onion, breadcrumbs, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.

Shape Meatballs:

Roll the meatball mixture into 1-inch balls, creating a uniform size for even cooking.

Brown Meatballs:

Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they’re golden in color, but don’t worry about cooking them all the way through just yet. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Add Cream and Herbs:

Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option), fresh basil, and fresh parsley. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.

Simmer Meatballs:

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let the dish simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve them over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete and utterly delicious meal that’s sure to impress your special someone.

Tips for Perfecting Your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right ground chicken: Look for a blend of light and dark meat for the most flavorful and juicy meatballs.
• Season generously: Don’t be afraid to season the meatball mixture and the sauce with a heavy hand. The key to great flavor is generous seasoning.
• Handle the meatballs gently: Be careful not to overwork the meatball mixture, as this can lead to tough, dense meatballs. Gentle mixing and shaping is the way to go.
• Monitor the sauce consistency: Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers, adjusting the heat and cooking time to achieve the perfect creamy, velvety texture.
• Pair it with the perfect accompaniment: Serve your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delectable sauce.

Variations on Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

While the classic Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Here are a few ideas to try:

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs:

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the meatball mixture and the sauce for a delightful kick of heat.

Gluten-Free Marry Me Chicken Meatballs:

Swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make this dish accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Veggie-Packed Marry Me Chicken Meatballs:

Grate some zucchini or carrots and fold them into the meatball mixture for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.

Alternative Sauce Options:

While the creamy tomato sauce is divine, you could also try a pesto or marinara sauce for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over a bed of pasta, alongside a fluffy serving of rice, or as the star of a sub sandwich for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are not only delicious, but they’re also a relatively healthy option. A serving of these meatballs (about 3-4 meatballs) contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 12 grams of carbohydrates.

The use of ground chicken as the protein source means this dish is lower in saturated fat compared to recipes made with beef or pork. Additionally, the herbs and spices used in the recipe provide a range of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

For those following a dairy-free diet, simply swap out the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream, to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken, also known as Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. You can serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy, flavorful sauce. They also make a great addition to sub sandwiches or can be enjoyed on their own as a main course.

What is the difference between Tuscan chicken and Marry Me Chicken?

The main difference between Tuscan chicken and Marry Me Chicken lies in the preparation and ingredients. Tuscan chicken typically features chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, often with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, on the other hand, use ground chicken to make delectable meatballs that are simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

What is the sauce on Marry Me Chicken?

The sauce for Marry Me Chicken Meatballs is a creamy tomato-based sauce that’s infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. The sauce starts with sautéed garlic and crushed tomatoes, then heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) is stirred in to create a velvety, decadent sauce that coats the meatballs perfectly.

How do you keep chicken meatballs from falling apart?

To keep your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs from falling apart, there are a few key tips to follow:

• Don’t overwork the mixture: Gently mix the meatball ingredients together until they’re just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
• Use the right binder: Breadcrumbs or almond flour help to hold the meatballs together, so be sure to include them in the recipe.
• Brown the meatballs first: Searing the meatballs in a skillet before simmering them in the sauce helps to set their shape and prevent them from falling apart.
• Handle them with care: When transferring the meatballs to the sauce, do so gently to avoid breaking them apart.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Marry Me Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet
• Loaded Marry Me Chicken Stuffed Peppers
• One Pan Marry Me Chicken and Potatoes
• Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Meatball Bites

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a saucy, cheesy delight that’s sure to impress your special someone. With their flavorful meatballs, creamy tomato sauce, and endless serving possibilities, these meatballs are a true labor of love that will have your partner asking for seconds (or thirds!). So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking – it’s time to make some Marry Me Chicken Meatballs that will have your loved one swooning.

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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