Marry Me Chicken – This creamy, savory dish with its rich sauce, juicy chicken, and an irresistible blend of flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed chicken dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a luxurious sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs. The name comes from its reputation: it’s so delicious that it could prompt your partner to pop the question after just one bite. Whether or not it leads to a proposal, Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to win over anyone at the dinner table.
This dish is ideal for a romantic dinner or a weeknight meal when you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients that come together in a truly decadent dish.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The star of the show. Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The base of the rich sauce, adding creaminess and depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- Garlic: For an extra kick of savory goodness.
- Chicken broth: Enhances the sauce, making it lighter and more flavorful.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuse the sauce with aromatics.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a little heat to balance the creaminess.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken and sautéing the garlic.
Pro Tip:
Make sure not to overcook the chicken! Searing it first ensures it locks in moisture, and simmering in the sauce helps it stay tender without drying out.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are juicier and have more flavor than chicken breasts, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce if you’re looking for a lighter option. However, heavy cream is recommended for the richest texture.
3. Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free heavy cream alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free substitute.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to add some veggies to the sauce. These options will complement the creamy texture and flavors.
5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Marry Me Chicken
- Use a cast-iron skillet for the best browning on the chicken and even heat distribution.
- Don’t rush the sauce! Letting the cream, broth, and Parmesan slowly reduce will result in a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
- Slice the chicken before serving: If serving to guests, slicing the chicken breasts after cooking allows the sauce to coat each piece evenly.
- Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce for pasta or bread, consider doubling the sauce ingredients. You’ll want to mop up every last bit!
Variations of Marry Me Chicken
One of the beauties of Marry Me Chicken is its versatility. Here are a few variations to keep things exciting:
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
- Bacon Lover’s Marry Me Chicken: Add crispy, cooked bacon to the sauce for a smoky, savory twist.
- Lemon Marry Me Chicken: Add a splash of lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a fresh, tangy balance to the creaminess.
- Marry Me Chicken Casserole: Layer the cooked chicken and sauce in a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. This makes for a great make-ahead meal.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Over pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a hearty Italian-inspired meal.
- With rice or mashed potatoes: Both of these options absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite creamy and flavorful.
- Alongside roasted vegetables: If you’re looking to keep things lighter, pair it with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- With crusty bread: The sauce is so good you’ll want to soak up every last drop with a slice of warm, crusty bread.
How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken makes excellent leftovers, and the flavors intensify as they sit. Here’s how to store it:
- In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer: You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid drying out the chicken.
Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken - This creamy, savory dish with its rich sauce, juicy chicken, and an irresistible blend of flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin cutlets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ tsp thyme
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, and shake off the excess.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful bits.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then season with chili flakes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the sundried tomatoes and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens and the chicken is well-coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm over pasta or rice.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 397Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 114mgSodium 461mgCarbohydrates 12gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 25g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts on Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Its luxurious sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors make it an unforgettable meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or just want to indulge in a comforting dinner, this dish is sure to deliver.
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