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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs Recipe


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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

These Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs combine tender ground chicken meatballs with a luscious, flavorful sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and creamy coconut milk, all infused with fragrant herbs and fresh basil. Perfect for a comforting family meal, they cook on the stovetop and finish simmering in a rich sauce, delivering a dish that’s both elegant and satisfying.


Ingredients

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 herbs de provence
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Oil

  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, as needed (including oil reserved from sun-dried tomato jar)

Sauce

  • 1 large shallot, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste
  • 1 (7-8 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, drained and roughly chopped (about 1 cup)
  • ⅓ cup dry white wine (such as sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon herbs de provence
  • ½1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt & 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 fresh grated Parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Make meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, lightly beaten eggs, panko breadcrumbs, fresh chopped basil, garlic paste, herbs de provence, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
  2. Shape meatballs: Using a medium spring-loaded scooper, portion the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Roll each in your palms to form smooth balls, placing them on a large plate or platter. You should have about 20-23 meatballs.
  3. Brown meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or reserved sun-dried tomato oil) in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add meatballs in a single layer without overcrowding. Brown on one side for 3-4 minutes until a nice sear forms, then turn carefully to brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes. They won’t be fully cooked yet. Use a slotted spoon to transfer browned meatballs to a clean plate. Repeat with remaining meatballs, adding oil as needed.
  4. Build the marry me sauce: In the same skillet, add the finely diced shallot and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon garlic paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes; sauté until garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Cook until tomatoes soften and become slightly jammy, about 2 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard, herbs de provence, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, then add chicken broth. Mix well and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add coconut milk: Stir in full-fat coconut milk and allow sauce to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Finish meatballs in sauce: Reduce heat to low and return browned meatballs along with any collected juices to the skillet. Add fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, gently tossing to coat. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally. The sauce will thicken and the meatballs cook through, melding flavors.
  7. Serve: Serve these creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or white rice. Garnish with extra fresh chopped basil for a fresh finish. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to ensure tender, juicy meatballs.
  • Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to enhance flavor in browning the meatballs and cooking the sauce.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
  • The dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, white rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh basil added at the end brightens the rich flavors and adds freshness.
  • Ensure you simmer the meatballs long enough in the sauce to cook through completely.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American