Description
Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Meatballs promise romance on a plate, blending Italian-inspired flavors with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Comfort meets passion in this delightful dish that will charm dinner guests and spark culinary love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
- 3 ounces prosciutto (torn)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Herbs, Seasonings, and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 shallot (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- chili flakes
- salt and black pepper
- fresh basil (for serving)
Liquids, Dairy, and Other Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk
Instructions
- Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, extracting 3 tablespoons of liquid from the jar. Finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes and reserve for later use.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken with pesto, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Gently mix ingredients until well incorporated. Form mixture into uniform tablespoon-sized meatballs, yielding approximately 15-16 portions.
- Crisp prosciutto in the prepared skillet for about 5 minutes until golden and crunchy. Transfer crisp prosciutto to a separate plate, leaving the flavorful oil behind.
- Carefully place meatballs into the skillet, searing for 5 minutes and rotating 2-3 times to ensure even browning and complete cooking.
- Reduce heat and add butter, remaining Italian seasoning, minced shallots, and garlic. Incorporate tomato paste and additional chili flakes for depth of flavor.
- Deglaze the skillet with wine, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil for 3-5 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and reserved sun-dried tomatoes, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 10 minutes.
- Finish the dish by generously sprinkling remaining parmesan over the meatballs. Serve hot, accompanied by crispy prosciutto and crusty bread for an indulgent dining experience.
Notes
- Swap ground chicken for turkey or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
- Toast pine nuts or add extra herbs to enhance the pesto’s depth and create a more complex flavor profile.
- Pat chicken meat dry before mixing to ensure better binding and prevent meatballs from becoming too wet and falling apart during cooking.
- Reduce cream for a lighter version or use coconut cream for a dairy-free adaptation that maintains rich texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg