Creamy Marry Me Chicken is a beloved dish in our household. For those unfamiliar with this recipe, it consists of chicken prepared in a rich cream sauce enhanced with sundried tomatoes and herbs. The taste is outstanding! These Marry Me Chicken meatballs offer the same incredible flavor, but in a convenient bite-sized form.
Whenever I can streamline meal prep or simplify the process, I’m all for it. With a home full of children—including the neighbor kids on many occasions—I require something that’s quick and hassle-free. However, I also refuse to compromise on flavor for convenience.
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs are an excellent, kid-friendly option because of their small size. And naturally, they’re also adored by adults. We typically serve meatballs with a tomato sauce and pair it with spaghetti squash or veggie noodles. This recipe takes a different approach, featuring a flavorful creamy sauce that’s a departure from traditional Alfredo.
Even better, they can easily be adapted to be dairy-free. Substitute coconut oil for butter, and nutritional yeast (or simply omit) for Parmesan cheese. Coconut cream can replace dairy cream. The sauce’s creaminess, combined with the tanginess of sundried tomatoes and fresh herbs, truly elevates these meatballs.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
These are so delicious you might be tempted to enjoy them straight from the pan! However, if you’re seeking serving suggestions, here are a few ideas to turn them into a full meal.
- Zucchini noodles
- Spaghetti squash
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
- White rice
- Gluten-free pasta
Carbohydrate-rich foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes are fantastic for soaking up the irresistible sauce. Zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash serve as excellent low-carb alternatives.
Here’s how to prepare them!
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until just combined, then shape into meatballs about the size of tablespoons—you should yield approximately 30.
- Heat the butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them evenly on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked—they’ll finish in the sauce later. Move them to a plate and clean the skillet.
- Add the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds, then mix in the tomato paste and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping any browned bits from the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and incorporate the cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow it to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Return the meatballs and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the fresh basil and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Amount Per Serving (7 meatballs)
Calories 629
Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Fat 44g68%
Saturated Fat 24g150%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 235mg78%
Sodium 877mg38%
Potassium 1778mg51%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 14g16%
Protein 36g72%
Vitamin A 1743IU35%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
Calcium 343mg34%
Iron 5mg28%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Serve over pasta, zoodles, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Storing Your Meatballs
These don’t stick around for long at our house, as my kids devour them quickly. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week if you happen to have any leftovers. I often prepare a double batch for dinner so we can enjoy them for lunch the next day.
You can also prepare and freeze Marry Me Chicken meatballs for later use. Once cooked, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. After a few hours in the freezer, transfer them to a zip-top bag. You can either freeze them fully cooked or make a note that they require additional cooking in the sauce.
Does your family enjoy meatballs? What are some of your favorite methods to prepare or serve them? Leave a comment and let us know!
