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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, look no further than the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe. These tender, juicy chicken meatballs simmered in a luscious, sun-dried tomato and coconut milk sauce create a flavor explosion that’s both rich and bright. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause, savor, and smile, perfect for a cozy night in or impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish on your table is easier than you might expect, thanks to a handful of key ingredients that work together beautifully. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting pop of color in every bite.
- Ground chicken: The base for tender, juicy meatballs that absorb all the flavors.
- Eggs: Lightly beaten to bind the meatballs perfectly without making them dense.
- Plain panko breadcrumbs: Adds necessary texture to keep meatballs light and tender.
- Fresh chopped basil: Brings a fragrant, fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Garlic paste: Intensifies the savory depth with an unmistakable garlic punch.
- Herbes de Provence: A classic blend that layers in a subtle earthiness and herbal complexity.
- Onion powder and smoked paprika: Round out the seasoning with hints of sweetness and smokiness.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to balance and enhance every flavor.
- Olive oil: The cooking medium that imparts a rich, fruity undertone and helps brown the meatballs beautifully.
- Shallot: Adds a gentle onion sweetness, perfect for the sauce base.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil: Packed with intense, tangy, slightly sweet tomato flavor that makes the sauce unforgettable.
- Dry white wine: Lifts the sauce with acidity and subtle fruit notes.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a creamy tang and depth, balancing the sauce perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to keep flavors lively and exciting.
- Chicken broth: Builds a rich, savory foundation for the sauce.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Creates the signature creaminess that distinguishes this recipe, with a silky texture and subtle tropical undertones.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for an umami boost and velvety finish.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Meatball Ingredients
Start by gently combining ground chicken, eggs, panko, fresh basil, garlic paste, herbes de Provence, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The key here is to mix just until everything is combined to keep your meatballs tender and not tough.
Step 2: Form Your Meatballs
Use a medium scoop to shape the mixture into perfectly sized golf ball-shaped meatballs. Holding each one for a few seconds helps smooth the surface, ensuring even cooking later on.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches. Keeping them spaced out means they develop a gorgeous crust without steaming. Once browned, set them aside — this step adds flavor and texture that makes all the difference.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, sauté finely diced shallot until soft and translucent, then add garlic paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until fragrant, which is the moment the kitchen fills with irresistible aromas. Next, pour in the white wine, scraping up all those caramelized bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer until the tomatoes soften and the liquid reduces slightly.
Step 5: Add Flavor Layers
Stir in Dijon mustard, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, followed by chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer as these ingredients meld together, forming the rich base of your sauce.
Step 6: Make It Creamy and Combine
Now for what makes this dish truly special: stir in the full-fat coconut milk and allow the sauce to gently thicken. Reduce heat to low and nestle your browned meatballs back into the sauce along with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce achieves a luscious consistency.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Your meatballs are ready to shine! Hold onto extra fresh basil to garnish right before serving for a vibrant, fresh finish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add that perfect pop of green that brings freshness and an herbal punch, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan provides a savory, cheesy note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile to pair with your favorite starchy sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce like a dream, fluffy white rice balances the bold flavors, or for a low-carb option, zoodles or cauliflower mash work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Think about serving these meatballs family-style in a shallow bowl with fresh basil scattered across. Or elevate your presentation by placing them atop a bed of polenta or creamy risotto, turning this comforting classic into a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your enhanced meatballs cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll keep up to 3 months and thaw beautifully without losing their creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky and avoid drying out the meatballs. Adding a splash of broth or water helps refresh the sauce during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works as a great substitute and yields similarly tender meatballs. Just be mindful of moisture levels and avoid overmixing for the best texture.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If coconut milk isn’t your thing, full-fat heavy cream or half-and-half can be used to provide a rich, creamy sauce, although the flavor will be less tropical and slightly different.
Is the sauce very spicy?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick to keep things lively; you can adjust the quantity or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Baking at 400°F (200°C) on a lined sheet for about 20 minutes until golden and cooked through is a less hands-on option, though pan-frying adds that extra caramelized flavor.
How long will the meatballs keep in the fridge?
Properly stored, leftover meatballs in sauce last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, making them ideal for meal prep or enjoying the next day.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the flavors come together in the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe; it’s hearty, comforting, and uniquely delicious. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, this dish invites you to savor every bite and enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-crafted meal. Give it a try, and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato and coconut milk sauce. Perfectly seasoned ground chicken meatballs are simmered in a luscious, herb-infused sauce with Parmesan and fresh basil, making this dish a comforting yet elegant meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Meatballs:
- 2 lbs ground chicken
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Marry Me Sauce:
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra if needed)
- 1 large shallot, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 (7-8 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, drained and chopped (reserve oil)
- â…“ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- ½ – 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground chicken, beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, chopped basil, garlic paste, herbes de Provence, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined to maintain tenderness; avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Meatballs: Using a medium-sized scoop, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Roll each meatball between your hands to smooth and create an even shape.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the diced shallot and sauté until softened. Add garlic paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant and tomatoes have softened.
- Deglaze the Pan and Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine simmer until reduced slightly and tomatoes are very soft. Stir in Dijon mustard, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Coconut Milk and Thicken: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk and continue to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, melding all the flavors together.
- Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Reduce heat to low and return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Add fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over mashed potatoes or rice. Garnish with additional fresh basil for a vibrant touch and enjoy.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- When browning meatballs, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even searing.
- The sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference by varying the red pepper flakes.
- Save the reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes to add extra flavor during sautéing if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
