Simmering Saturdays Marry Me Chicken Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
1.5 pounds ground chicken
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakesoptional
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup fresh chopped basil garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds ground chicken, 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons granulated garlic, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 2-inch meatballs—heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook until browned on all sides, about 7 – 10 minutes. Transfer browned meatballs to a tray or plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Sauté 3 cloves minced garlic and ¾ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Lower heat and simmer for 5 – 7 minutes to allow time for the ingredients to meld.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Keep the heat on low, cover, and simmer them for 10 – 15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. ENJOY!