Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs: A Cozy Comfort Food
There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of creamy meatballs, isn’t there? The kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm hug as you savor each bite. Picture this: a chilly evening, the aroma of garlic and chicken fills your kitchen, and you have the simplest, yet most irresistible dinner on the table. Today, I’m excited to share with you the recipe for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs, a dish that promises tender, juicy meatballs enveloped in a luscious sauce that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
This recipe is a beautiful blend of nostalgia and warmth, reminding me of my grandmother’s family gatherings where every meal was made with love. As we gathered around the table, laughter and stories flowed as freely as the delicious food. With every bite of her stuffed meatballs, I could see love written all over her smile. Today’s recipe hopes to evoke those same feelings of comfort, showing that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a dish that feels special. Trust me; this one is a keeper—you’ll definitely want to pin it for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy nights!
- Creamy and rich flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Family-friendly! A dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
- Ideal for meal prep: make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week.
- Pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad for a complete meal.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined by hand—it’s wholesome and comforting!
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, let’s create the creamy sauce! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan and coat them well in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 5 additional minutes, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, here are some fun ways to customize your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs:
- Zesty Spinach & Feta: Add a handful of fresh spinach and some crumbled feta cheese into your meatball mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Mushroom & Thyme: Sauté some diced mushrooms with thyme and stir them into the creamy sauce for an earthy flavor that’s a perfect match with the meatballs.
- Buffalo Style: Stir some buffalo sauce into your cream mixture for a spicy kick that will definitely steal the show.
- Creamy Pesto: Swap the Italian seasoning in the sauce for a few tablespoons of your favorite pesto for a herby and aromatic dish.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the meatballs a day in advance and simply bake and sauce them when you’re ready to feast!
- Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute the ground chicken with turkey or even beef for a delicious alternative.
- Storage Suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat in a pan with a splash of chicken broth.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are fantastic over pasta, zoodles, or served next to fluffy rice or a crisp salad.
Calories & Nutrition Details
Nutrition Information per Serving (Approx. 2 meatballs with sauce):
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 6g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 34g
- Sodium: 780mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance for an easy dinner option.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap out ground chicken for turkey or beef, and mix in your favorite herbs.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently.
- How long does it last? Enjoy these meatballs for up to three days in the fridge, or freeze for 2 to 3 months in a suitable container.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sitting down to a plate of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs. The vibrant flavors and creamy textures are sure to elevate any occasion, from a simple weeknight dinner to a special gathering with loved ones. Trust me, your palette and your loved ones will thank you!
Save this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs recipe to your dinner ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and laughter!
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A cozy comfort food with tender chicken meatballs coated in a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they are golden and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the saucepan and coat them well in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 5 additional minutes.
- Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Prepare the meatballs a day in advance for easy baking later. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken meatballs, creamy meatballs, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal