Creamy, Merry Me Chicken is a family favorite at mealtimes in our house. If you haven’t heard the recipe before, it’s basically chicken cooked in a creamy sauce flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. The taste is amazing! These Merry Me Chicken Meatballs are just as delicious, but bite-sized.
Anytime you can cut down on meal prep time or make things easier, the better. I have a house full of kids (including the neighbors!) so I need something quick and easy. I also don’t want to sacrifice flavor easily.
Merry Me Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs are a great food for kids because they are bite-sized. Of course, adults also like it. We usually make tomato sauce with meatballs and serve with spaghetti squash or vegetable noodles. This recipe switches it up and makes a flavorful creamy sauce rather than alfredo.
What’s even better is that it’s easy to make your own dairy products. Choose coconut oil instead of butter, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese (or omit it). You can also use coconut cream instead of dairy cream. The creamy sauce with the aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs makes these meatballs stand out.
How to Serve Merry Me Chicken Meatballs
These are so delicious you might want to eat them with your fork right out of the pan! Still, if you’re looking for a few serving tips, here are a few ways to make it a meal.
- Zucchini Noodles
- spaghetti squash
- mashed or baked potatoes
- white rice
- gluten free pasta
Starchy foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes are great for soaking up all that delicious sauce. Options like zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash are perfect for anyone needing a low-carb option.
Here’s how to make it!
Merry Me Chicken Meatballs
Creamy Sun-dried Tomato Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined and shape into tablespoon-sized meatballs. There should be about 30 of them.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. It doesn’t have to be fully cooked. Finish it off with sauce. Transfer to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
Heat the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Boil slowly for 2-3 minutes.
Add the meatballs and chopped sun-dried tomatoes back to the skillet. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Stir in fresh basil and add more salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts
Merry Me Chicken Meatballs
Amount per serving (7 meatballs)
calorie 629
Calories from fat 396
% Daily Value*
province 44g68%
24g saturated fat150%
Trans fat 0.3g
4g polyunsaturated fat
13g monounsaturated fat
cholesterol 235mg78%
sodium 877mg38%
potassium 1778 mg51%
carbohydrate 26g9%
4g fiber17%
14g sugar16%
protein 36g72%
Vitamin A 1743IU35%
Vitamin C 15mg18%
calcium 343 mg34%
steel 5mg28%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Serve over pasta, noodles, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storing Meatballs
It doesn’t last long in our house because our kids eat it. If you have any leftovers, they will keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week. I will often make a double batch for dinner and have the leftovers for lunch the next day.
You can also make the Merry Me Chicken Meatballs in advance and freeze them for a later meal. Once the meatballs are cooked and before brushing with the sauce, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place it in the freezer for a few hours and then place it in a ziplock bag. You may want to note that the meatballs need to be cooked through or cooked in sauce before freezing.
Does your family love meatballs? What is your favorite way to make and serve it? Let us know by leaving a comment!
