These Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs are a delightful mix of juicy chicken and tasty herbs in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Honestly, you’ll want to eat these often! They’re so good I just might start a fan club. 🤣 I love serving them over pasta for a filling meal everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken: This is the star of the dish! You can swap it for ground turkey or even lean ground beef if you prefer. Just remember, the flavor might slightly change.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty kick. If you’re lactose intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a similar flavor; it’s dairy-free!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the meatballs a nice crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but they’re a bit denser. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and dill bring freshness. You can use dried herbs (1 teaspoon each) in a pinch, but fresh is always better! If you don’t like these herbs, parsley is a great substitute.
Heavy Cream: This creates that rich sauce. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut milk.
How Do I Make the Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful?
The key to juicy meatballs is to not over-mix your ingredients. Just combine them until everything is incorporated. This keeps them light and tender. Make sure to form them gently into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Preheat your skillet, so the meatballs brown nicely on the outside.
- Cook them in batches to give them space; this prevents steaming and allows a nice sear.
- Set cooked meatballs aside while you prepare the sauce to keep them from overcooking.
Follow these tips, and you’re on your way to delicious, homemade meatballs that will impress any guest! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
- Fresh basil and dill leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook. That’s just 35 minutes for a delicious homemade meal! Perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well combined. Don’t over-mix—just make sure everything is evenly mixed!
2. Form the Meatballs:
Grab a small handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about 1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used up. You should get around 12-15 meatballs. Place them on a plate as you work.
3. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the smoked paprika and red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the skillet, making sure to spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let them simmer for another 5 minutes to soak up the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. This is the moment where the magic happens!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Before serving, sprinkle some fresh basil and dill leaves on top for a splash of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy chicken meatballs warm over your favorite pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes!
These tender meatballs are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy your meal and the compliments that will surely come your way!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work just as well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as turkey can sometimes take a little longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatballs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce has thickened, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Freeze the Meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs! For best results, freeze them uncooked. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the cooking instructions as normal.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy cream, such as coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for added flavor without dairy. Just remember to adjust your seasonings to enhance the flavors!
