Description
Silky marry me chicken meatballs originate from a playful Italian-American culinary tradition. Guests will adore these tender, herb-infused spheres that blend creamy sauce with perfectly seasoned chicken, promising a romantic dinner experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Mixture Preparation: Harmonize ground chicken with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a generous mixing bowl, employing a delicate folding technique to distribute ingredients evenly without compacting the protein matrix.
- Meatball Formation: With gentle precision, sculpt uniform spherical portions by rolling the meat mixture between palms, creating consistent 1.5-inch diameter orbs. Maintain a light touch to preserve a tender, airy texture while ensuring structural cohesion.
- Baking Arrangement: Carefully position the crafted meatballs on a prepared baking sheet, strategically spacing them to facilitate uniform heat circulation and prevent adhesion. Verify each meatball’s symmetrical profile to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal culinary performance.
Notes
- Prevent Overworking Meat: Gently mix ingredients to keep meatballs light and tender, avoiding compact handling that can make them tough and dense.
- Consistent Size Matters: Use a cookie scoop or careful hand-rolling to create uniform 1.5-inch meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional appearance.
- Spacing is Key: Leave small gaps between meatballs on the baking sheet to allow proper heat circulation and prevent steaming or uneven browning.
- Moisture Retention Technique: Don’t compress meat mixture too firmly while shaping; light handling helps maintain juiciness and soft texture throughout cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg