Mediterranean Merry Me Chicken Meatballs
These Mediterranean Merry Me Chicken Meatballs are juicy, herby, and coated in a rich creamy sun-dried tomato sauce inspired by the viral “Marry Me” recipes. Made with ground chicken, garlic, oregano, and feta, and simmered in a luxurious Mediterranean-style sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and low in carbs. It’s a perfect one-pan dinner to serve with cauliflower rice, zoodles, or a simple Greek salad.
Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground chicken
1/4 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs if not low-carb)
1 egg
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan frying)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil and drained)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: spinach or chopped basil for added greens
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, almond flour, egg, feta, garlic, parsley, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork.
Shape meatballs: Form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs (about 16–18).
Cook meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Deglaze and simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and thyme. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Add meatballs back: Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon sauce over them. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked and sauce is bubbling.
Finish and serve: Optionally stir in fresh spinach or basil. Serve warm with cauliflower rice or a side of roasted vegetables.
Tips
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture – Gently combine ingredients to avoid dense or tough meatballs.
Use a cookie scoop or wet hands – For evenly sized meatballs and less sticking.
Fry in batches if needed – Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Make ahead – You can form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to cook.
Adjust the sauce thickness – If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Variations
Swap proteins – Use ground turkey, beef, or lamb instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
Make it dairy-free – Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese; omit feta in the meatballs.
Add greens – Stir in a handful of baby spinach, kale, or chopped zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrients.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sun-dried tomatoes.
Serve over different bases – Try zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or even chickpea pasta (if not strictly keto).
Q&A
Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet until cooked through and lightly golden.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well and keeps the recipe lean and flavorful.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, especially when made with almond flour and served with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the Parmesan altogether.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 4 Servings)
Calories: 440
Protein: 30g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Net Carbs: 5g
Sugar: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 580mg
Note: Nutrition varies slightly based on specific brands and ingredient swaps.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Merry Me Chicken Meatballs are a standout dish that’s full of bold flavor and creamy comfort. Combining tender, herbed meatballs with a sun-dried tomato–Parmesan sauce, it’s both indulgent and wholesome—perfect for keto eaters or anyone wanting a low-carb, high-flavor meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is so good, it just might make someone fall in love.