Name: Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
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, add to your liking; 1 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped; 1/4 cup white cooking wine; 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8-10 fresh basil leaves, julienned, if desired for garnish

I have to tell you about one of my all-time favorite recipes that never fails to impress: the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe. This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy sauce and tender, juicy chicken meatballs that melt in your mouth. Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like a cozy celebration on a plate, and it’s so simple to pull together that it quickly becomes a staple in my kitchen rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe will win hearts every time.

Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

What really sets this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe apart for me is the incredible flavor combination. The meatballs are seasoned with subtle spices like paprika and onion powder, which create a savory depth without overpowering the delicate chicken. Then, those sundried tomatoes and garlic-infused cream sauce come in with a burst of tangy, buttery richness that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s like a warm hug in every bite.

Another thing I appreciate is how manageable the preparation is. I’m all about saving time without compromising flavor, and I love that these meatballs bake in the oven while I prepare the luscious sauce. No standing by the stove constantly, and the hands-on time is minimal. It’s a great recipe to make when you want something special but don’t want a complicated, messy process.

Finally, I think this dish feels fitting for so many occasions. I’ve served it at casual weeknight dinners, but it also gracefully elevates more festive gatherings like date nights or family celebrations. When I bring this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe to a party, it’s always requested again because it hits that perfect note of comfort food with a gourmet touch. Trust me, it’s a recipe that makes you want to say 'I do' to every bite!

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl with two layers of raw ground meat, layered showing a pale pink color with a soft texture, sits at the top right. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled surface are six smaller white bowls and glass bowls. There is a white bowl filled with fine light-colored breadcrumbs on the bottom left of the ground meat bowl. To the right of it, another glass bowl holds coarser, light greenish breadcrumbs. At the top left of the main bowl, a small white bowl contains a mix of colorful spices in yellow, red, and black tones. Below it, a tiny glass bowl holds minced light yellow garlic. To the lower right, a small glass bowl with clear cooking oil is beside two whole white eggs resting directly on the white marbled surface. The whole scene is bright and clear, with natural light, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the dish’s final flavor and texture. From the juicy ground chicken and savory panko crumbs to the creamy Parmesan and fresh basil, each component plays a vital role in creating those irresistible meatballs and sauce. Here’s what I use to make it magic happen:

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Ground chicken: The base for tender, juicy meatballs that won’t weigh you down.
Large eggs: Help bind the meatballs together for perfect shape and texture.
Minced garlic: Adds warmth and an aromatic punch to both meatballs and sauce.
Olive oil: Used for browning and flavoring the meatballs beautifully.
Seasoned panko crumbs: This gives the meatballs a light, chewy tenderness.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty richness and depth of flavor throughout.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile subtly without overpowering.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to perfection.
Paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet note to the meat.
Butter: The base for that indulgently creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that adds Mediterranean charm.
Red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce a gentle kick—adjust to your taste.
Sundried tomatoes in oil: Bring tangy sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
White cooking wine: A touch of acidity to balance the cream and deepen flavors.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful but not too salty.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and velvety.
Fresh basil leaves: Freshen up the dish with a bright herbal finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line either one extra large baking sheet or two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the meatballs bake evenly without sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, eggs, minced garlic, olive oil, seasoned panko crumbs, grated Parmesan, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. I like to mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender—over-mixing can make them dense.

Step 3: Using a 1 ½-inch scoop or spoon, portion the meatball mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly so they cook uniformly.

Step 4: Bake the meatballs for about 18 minutes, until they’re lightly golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. You can check a meatball by cutting into the center to make sure it’s cooked through. Remove from the oven and set them aside while you make the luscious sauce.

Step 5: For the sauce, melt the butter in a large, oven-proof deep skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped sundried tomatoes. Stir frequently and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.

Step 6: Pour in the white cooking wine and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it has mostly cooked down, which concentrates the flavor. Then add the chicken broth and slowly whisk in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, combining everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Continue cooking the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just a little—but don’t let it boil too long. When ready, gently add the baked meatballs into the sauce, turning them so they’re well coated with all that delicious creaminess.

Step 8: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps the meatballs heat through completely and lets the sauce bubble up beautifully.

Step 9: When done, carefully remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh julienned basil leaves for that pop of color and herbal brightness, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Servings and Timing

This Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe serves about 6 people generously, which makes it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering with friends. The prep time is around 15 minutes, mostly spent mixing and shaping the meatballs, while the cook time is approximately 40 minutes total: 18 minutes for baking the meatballs initially, plus about 10 minutes for cooking the sauce with meatballs in the oven. Altogether, you’re looking at about 55 minutes from start to finish. There’s no real resting time required—serve the dish piping hot for maximum flavor and creaminess.

How to Serve This Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with three large, round, creamy chicken and rice balls mixed with herbs and spices, sitting on a wooden table next to a black pan also filled with more of the same mixture. The rice balls have a soft texture with golden and green flecks from the herbs, and a silver fork is digging into one of them, revealing a moist inside. A white cloth with a checkered pattern is casually placed beside the bowl. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these chicken meatballs over a bed of warm, fluffy pasta like fettuccine or linguine because the creamy sauce clings so nicely to noodles. But I’ve also enjoyed them with garlic mashed potatoes or even creamy polenta. For something lighter, a simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad balances all the richness beautifully.

To make the presentation extra special, I sprinkle fresh basil julienne over the top just before serving, which adds a lovely visual contrast and a refreshing burst of herbal aroma. If you want to impress guests, platter-style serving with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that sauce is always a hit.

Beverage-wise, I’m a fan of pairing this dish with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Italian red like Chianti. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon brightens the palate perfectly. This recipe really shines for date nights, dinner parties, or cozy weekend meals when you want something both comforting and special. Serve hot or warm, never chilled, so you get the cream sauce at its best, luxuriously coating each meatball.

Variations

I’ve experimented with a few different twists on this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe to suit various tastes and dietary needs. For example, you can substitute ground turkey if you want a slightly leaner meat option that still stays tender and flavorful. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the seasoned panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal.

If you want to go dairy-free, try replacing the Parmesan and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a similar savory, creamy effect—though the flavor will shift slightly to a more tropical richness, which I found quite tasty. To turn this recipe vegan, you’d need to use a plant-based chicken substitute and vegan-friendly binders, plus a dairy-free cream alternative, which I’ve done successfully for friends with great feedback.

In terms of flavors, adding chopped fresh rosemary or thyme in place of Italian seasoning gives the sauce an earthy twist. You can also experiment with cooking methods by pan-searing the meatballs first to get a crispier crust before finishing them in the oven. No matter which way you customize it, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable while remaining delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers to keep the sauce and meatballs fresh. Leftovers will stay good for up to 3 days—but honestly, this dish rarely lasts more than that in my home!

Freezing

You can freeze these meatballs with or without sauce. To freeze, place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe zippered bag or container. The sauce freezes well separately in a tightly sealed container. Both will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe leftovers is on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring gently until warmed through to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can cause the sauce to separate and the meatballs to dry out.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day ahead, then refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply finish cooking them in the sauce and reheat the entire dish. This makes for a convenient shortcut if you’re hosting guests.

Can I use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and keeps the dish light and tender. Ground beef can work too but will give a richer, heavier flavor. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they're cooked through.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a mild heat, which you can adjust to taste. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes; for more kick, add a bit extra. It’s very adaptable!

What can I serve with the Marry Me Chicken Meatballs?

I love serving these with pasta, mashed potatoes, or polenta to soak up the sauce. Steamed vegetables or a crisp salad provide a nice refreshing contrast to the richness.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the meatballs and sauce freeze well separately or together. Just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the oven to maintain texture and flavor.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try this Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe because it really is one of those dishes that brings joy to the table every time. Its flavorful, creamy sauce and tender meatballs combine to make something memorable yet simple enough for any night of the week. Once you make it, I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your recipe collection too—one you’ll want to share again and again with loved ones.