Marry Me Chicken is a dish with a charming name and a flavor that lives up to the hype. The origin of this recipe’s name is rooted in the idea that its delicious taste is so irresistible, it could inspire someone to propose marriage. With its creamy, savory sauce, this dish has earned a reputation for being a true comfort food and a romantic dinner favorite. Ideal for special occasions or just a delightful weeknight meal, this chicken dish is an easy way to impress loved ones with a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The luscious sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes adds an indulgent touch to the dish.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether for a date night or family dinner, Marry Me Chicken elevates any meal with minimal effort.
- Easy to Make: Despite its elegant appearance, the recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
- Versatile Pairing Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also substitute with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to get a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: For the sauce base; it helps to thin out the cream and adds depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The key to a creamy and indulgent sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with umami flavor and a slight tang, they add complexity to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of savory, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a touch of freshness to the finished dish.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Incorporate Flavor Enhancers: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, simmering the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 more minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh basil just before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Cooking Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Deglazing the Pan: Make sure to scrape up the browned bits on the skillet when adding chicken broth. These bits add extra flavor to the sauce.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra few minutes.
Helpful Tips:
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them before adding to the sauce. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too oily.
- Fresh Garlic vs. Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic is recommended for the most robust flavor, but you can substitute garlic powder in a pinch.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, add some fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sauce. Sauté them right after the garlic step.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes:
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan for the best results. Pre-grated cheese can be drier and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken a day ahead. Reheat the chicken in the sauce on the stovetop before serving.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring well to recombine the sauce.
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Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that combines a creamy, flavorful sauce with tender chicken, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal. It’s easy to prepare yet sophisticated enough to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re hoping to spark some romance or just enjoy a tasty dinner, this dish is a must-try.
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a dish with a charming name and a flavor that lives up to the hype. The origin of this recipe’s name is rooted in the idea that its delicious taste is so irresistible, it could inspire someone to propose marriage. With its creamy, savory sauce, this dish has earned a reputation for being a true comfort food and a romantic dinner favorite. Ideal for special occasions or just a delightful weeknight meal, this chicken dish is an easy way to impress loved ones with a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also substitute with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to get a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: For the sauce base; it helps to thin out the cream and adds depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The key to a creamy and indulgent sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with umami flavor and a slight tang, they add complexity to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For an extra layer of savory, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a touch of freshness to the finished dish.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Incorporate Flavor Enhancers: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, simmering the mixture for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 more minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with fresh basil just before serving. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan for the best results. Pre-grated cheese can be drier and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin out the sauce if needed.
