Marry Me Chicken Meatballs : Creamy, Comforting, and Unforgettable

Posted on July 16, 2025 ·

By Lyndy

a blue pot filled with meatballs covered in sauce and garnished with herbs

If you’re looking for a dish that combines cozy fall flavors, creamy sauce, and tender, juicy meatballs, these marry me chicken meatballs are the answer. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a hearty Sunday meal, or even a festive appetizer, this recipe is sure to win over anyone at the table — just like the name suggests!

Inspired by popular Handle The Heat recipes, this dish brings together the best of creamy meatball recipes with the ease of chicken as the star ingredient. Whether you serve them over pasta, with crusty bread, or as part of a party spread, these chicken meatballs with sauce are versatile, comforting, and simply irresistible.

Here’s how to make this unforgettable dish step by step, plus helpful tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

These meatballs are everything you want in a comforting meal:
Tender & juicy: Thanks to ground chicken and a few key ingredients, the meatballs stay moist.
Creamy & flavorful: The sauce is rich, savory, and full of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream.
Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids, yet impressive enough for entertaining.
Perfect for any occasion: Great as a main dish, an appetizer, or even a make-ahead meal.

If you’re already a fan of cozy dinners like sunday meatballs or comforting fall casseroles, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite.

Handle The Heat Recipes: Inspiration Behind This Dish

This recipe is inspired by the wildly popular marry me chicken dish — so good it’s said to win over anyone who tries it! Combining that creamy, savory sauce with bite-sized chicken meatballs makes it easier to serve and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. A true fall meatball recipe to add to your collection.

Ingredients for Fall Meatball Recipes Like This One

For the meatballs:

1 pound (450g) ground chicken
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Creamy Meatball Recipes

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Large skillet or sauté pan
Whisk
Measuring spoons and cups
Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step: How to Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined — do not overmix. Form into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through and golden on the outside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, if using. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine & Serve

Add the baked meatballs to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Meatballs With Sauce

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture — just enough to combine ingredients.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
For even cooking, use a cookie scoop to portion out the meatballs.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes before adding the meatballs.

Slow Cooker Chicken Meatballs Variation

Want to make these in your slow cooker? After baking the meatballs, transfer them to your slow cooker. Make the sauce as directed and pour it over the meatballs. Cook on low for 2–3 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Chicken Meatball Appetizer Recipes: How to Serve as Bites

These meatballs make a fantastic appetizer, too. Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a little extra sauce on the side for dipping. Perfect for game days, parties, or holiday gatherings.

Sunday Meatballs vs. Swedish Chicken Meatballs: What’s the Difference?

While Sunday meatballs are typically beef-based and simmered in tomato sauce, and Swedish meatballs are known for their creamy gravy and warm spices, these marry me chicken meatballs strike a balance with their creamy, savory sauce and lighter chicken base — perfect for fall and a little more modern.

Serving Suggestions: Sides for Fall Meatballs

These meatballs pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
Buttery mashed potatoes or cheesy mashed potato puffs
Pasta, such as fettuccine or pappardelle
Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Warm crusty bread to soak up the sauce

How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months — thaw overnight before reheating.

Marry Me Chicken Meatballs FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey works just as well and still gives you a tender, flavorful result.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely — bake the meatballs and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the sauce when ready to serve.

Can I lighten the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter option, though it won’t be quite as rich.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Try This Creamy Meatball Recipe Today

These marry me chicken meatballs are the perfect combination of creamy, comforting, and unforgettable — ideal for cozy fall dinners, entertaining guests, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this is a recipe worth adding to your rotation.

If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more fall meatball recipes, slow cooker chicken meatballs, and other creative dinner ideas!

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Marry Me Chicken Meatballs : Creamy, Comforting, and Unforgettable


  • Author: Lyndy
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Tender chicken meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for cozy fall dinners, romantic date nights, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer everyone will love.


Ingredients

For the Meatballs: 1 pound (450 g) ground chicken ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 large egg 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped ½ teaspoon onion powder Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil (for baking or searing) For the Creamy Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and black pepper, to taste Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. 3. Form into 1½-inch (4 cm) meatballs and place on the baking sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through. Alternatively, sear in olive oil in a skillet, turning to brown on all sides. 4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. 5. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. 6. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and spoon sauce over them. Simmer 2–3 minutes to coat. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. • Substitute ground turkey if preferred. • Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread. • Make ahead and keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Fall
  • Method: Baking, Simmering
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: about 4–5 meatballs with sauce
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 160mg

Keywords: marry me chicken meatballs, creamy chicken meatballs, fall meatball recipes, romantic dinner meatballs, chicken meatballs with sauce

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