Marry me chicken meatballs are one of those recipes that feel a little elevated but are actually so simple to pull together. This is the perfect weeknight meal for the family or anyone you’re trying to impress. Hayesie (my toddler) loves them too—which I consider a major mom win.

If you’ve had my Marry Me Chicken before, you already know how good this flavor combo is. Think juicy chicken meatballs, a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and everything coming together in one pan for an easy, high-protein dinner that works just as well for meal prep as it does for a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love These Marry Me Chicken Meatballs

These marry me chicken meatballs check so many boxes. They’re made with simple, real ingredients but still feel like a creamy chicken dinner you’d order out. The OG recipe lives in my new cookbook, The High-Protein Plate (still can’t get over it being a 2-week New York Times Bestseller!!), but just know that if you’re in a pinch and you only have ground chicken in the fridge, this recipe is super versatile.

So the ground chicken keeps things lighter while still delivering protein to support steady energy and keep you full, and the almond flour helps keep the meatballs tender without breadcrumbs—making them naturally gluten-free.

You’ve also got garlic, herbs, and healthy fats from the coconut cream working together to support flavor, digestion, and overall balance. It’s one of those healthy comfort food meals that doesn’t feel like you’re sacrificing anything.

A One-Pan Chicken Dinner That’s Big on Flavor

And don’t even get me started on the sauce, I’d drink it with a spoon – it’s so creamy and delicious, and the flavor just blows me away every single time.

The meatballs get a quick sear for that golden crust, then finish baking right in the skillet so they soak up all that saucy flavor. It’s a one pan chicken dinner that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights.

Also, if mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can easily swap in other veggies like broccolini, zucchini, asparagus, or even stir in spinach at the end. It’s a simple way to make this dish your own while still keeping that signature “marry me” flavor.

Serve these creamy chicken meatballs over rice, pasta, or veggies, and you’ve got a balanced, high-protein meal that the whole family will come back to. Hope you love it!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Meatballs:

• Ground chicken
• Egg
• Almond flour
• Finely grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Sea salt
• Ground pepper
• Red chili flakes (optional)

For the Sauce + Skillet:

• Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Sliced mushrooms (optional)
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Sea salt
• Ground pepper
• Red chili flakes
• Chicken bone broth (I like Kettle & Fire)
• Canned coconut cream, unsweetened
• Packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons water
• Arrowroot starch
• Finely grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast to keep 100% dairy-free)
• Fresh basil

How To Make Marry Me Chicken Meatballs (Easy One-Pan Recipe)

Looking for the full recipe?

Scroll down to the Recipe Card below for complete instructions & measurements.

These marry me chicken meatballs come together in one pan with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce—perfect for an easy, high-protein weeknight dinner or meal prep.

1. Preheat + mix.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix ground chicken, egg, almond flour, Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), garlic, and seasonings until just combined.

2. Roll + sear.
Form into meatballs, then sear in an oven-safe skillet until lightly golden on both sides. Set aside.

3. Sauté + build flavor.
In the same skillet, cook garlic and mushrooms (or veggies of choice), then stir in herbs and spices to bloom.

4. Make the sauce.
Add bone broth and coconut cream, scraping up browned bits. Stir in arrowroot slurry and simmer until slightly thickened.

5. Finish the sauce.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan (or nutritional yeast) until creamy.

6. Bake.
Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake until cooked through and the sauce is thick.

7. Serve.
Top with fresh basil and extra sauce. Serve with your favorite sides.

Recipe Substitutions & Questions

Here are a few easy substitutions and swaps to help you customize these Marry Me Chicken Meatballs based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

• Ground chicken: You can swap for ground turkey or ground beef. Turkey is the most similar in texture and flavor, while beef will be a bit richer.
• Parmesan cheese: Use nutritional yeast to keep this recipe fully dairy-free while still getting that savory, cheesy flavor.
• Almond flour: You can sub with regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand—just note it may slightly change the texture.
• Coconut cream: Greek yogurt can work as a substitute for a lighter option, but start with less and adjust as needed since it’s not a perfect 1:1 swap and can thin the sauce.
• Arrowroot starch: Cornstarch works as an easy 1:1 swap for thickening the sauce.
• Chicken bone broth: Regular chicken broth works just as well here—use what you have.
• Mushrooms (optional): If skipping, swap in broccolini (chopped), zucchini (half-moons), asparagus (bite-sized), or stir in baby spinach at the end until wilted (which happens fast!).
• Fresh basil: If you don’t have fresh, you can use a pinch of dried basil or skip it—fresh just adds that final bright flavor.
• Serving options: These marry me chicken meatballs are super versatile—serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, or pair with a simple veggie like my Crispy Buttery Broccolini for a balanced, high-protein meal.

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FAQs

What are marry me chicken meatballs?

Marry me chicken meatballs are a twist on the classic “marry me chicken” recipe, made with tender chicken meatballs simmered in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce. This version keeps things lighter and high in protein while still delivering that rich, comforting flavor the original is known for.

How do you keep chicken meatballs from drying out?

The key is a combination of ingredients and technique. In this recipe, almond flour and egg help lock in moisture, while the chicken meatballs finish cooking in the sauce, which keeps them tender. Just be careful not to overmix the meat or overcook them—both can make them tough.

Can I make these marry me chicken meatballs dairy-free?

Yes, these marry me chicken meatballs are easy to make dairy-free. Simply swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast and keep the coconut cream in the sauce. You’ll still get that creamy texture and rich, savory flavor without the dairy.

Can I make chicken meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep and roll the chicken meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also fully cook the dish and store leftovers for an easy, high-protein meal prep option throughout the week.

What should I serve with marry me chicken meatballs?

These creamy chicken meatballs are super versatile. Serve them over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, or pair with a veggie like broccolini or a simple salad for a more balanced plate.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Mexican Meatballs in Creamy Enchilada Sauce
• Italian Meatballs in Homemade Marinara
• Healthy Teriyaki Meatballs
• Homemade One Pot Chicken Pot Pie
• Greek Turkey Meatball Bowls with Tzatziki & Cucumber Salad       
• Crockpot Chicken Bolognese

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂