Marry Me Chicken is an enchanting dish that not only captivates your taste buds but also warms your heart. This delightful recipe features juicy chicken cutlets smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce, promising to win the affection of anyone who tastes it. A perfect choice for a romantic dinner at home or an impressive dish to share with loved ones, Marry Me Chicken is bound to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The luxurious sauce is an irresistible blend of cream, parmesan, and sundried tomatoes.
- Romantic and Impressive: Perfect for date nights or special occasions, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Ideal for personal touches, whether you prefer it spicier or loaded with more herbs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, yet key ingredients that bring the Marry Me Chicken to life. Each element, from the tender chicken to the fragrant herbs, contributes to creating a meal that is both decadent and comforting.
- 3 large chicken breasts: Cutting them into thin cutlets ensures quick, even cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Basics that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a light crust, perfect for holding that scrumptious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil and unsalted butter: Combined for sautéing, they add depth and richness to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced garlic infuses the sauce with a delightful, aromatic kick.
- 1 cup chicken stock: The savory base of the sauce, balancing all the creaminess with its intense flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, luxurious texture you’re going to love.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes: Adds a hint of heat that complements the richness of the sauce perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon each of oregano and thyme: These herbs bring a warm, earthy aroma that rounds up the flavors beautifully.
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes: Adds a sweet, tangy bite that contrasts the creaminess of the sauce brilliantly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves: A fresh garnish that adds a burst of color and flavor.
Variations
Marry Me Chicken is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily tailor it to suit your dietary preferences or to use whatever ingredients you might have on hand. Here are a few creative spins on the classic recipe to inspire you.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the chili flakes or add a touch of cayenne for a fiery version of Marry Me Chicken.
- Herb Infusion: Replace the oregano and thyme with herbs de Provence for a French twist on the dish.
- Vegetarian Compatible: Substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms for a meat-free delight.
- Low-Carb: Opt for almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to keep it keto-friendly.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even crust. This step is crucial for capturing the savory sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken, making sure not to crowd the pan, and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, then pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Scrape up all the delicious brown bits—that’s where the flavor lives! Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, letting the sauce simmer gently.
Step 4: Finalize the Dish
Add a touch of spice with chili flakes, and sprinkle in the oregano and thyme. Stir everything together and return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer a few more minutes so the sauce can thicken and envelop the chicken. Top with sundried tomatoes and finish with fresh basil before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken
- Golden Sear: Ensure your pan is fully preheated and avoid overcrowding the chicken to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Sauce Consistency: Allow the sauce to simmer until it lightly coats the back of a spoon, for a luscious and creamy consistency.
- Cheese Selection: Freshly grated parmesan really elevates the flavor—avoid pre-grated cheese for best results.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Choose oil-packed sundried tomatoes for additional richness in the dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish with their vibrant color and refreshing taste, making them the ideal garnish. You can also sprinkle a little more grated parmesan over the top for extra flavor and appeal.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve Marry Me Chicken over a bed of spinach or arugula. The leafy greens not only add color and contrast, but their subtle peppery flavor complements the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is coated well with sauce to keep it moist.
Freezing
You can freeze Marry Me Chicken by allowing it to cool completely, then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and can add even more juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Can I make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the parmesan cheese.
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What can I use instead of sundried tomatoes?
Chopped roasted red peppers or caramelized onions would make a unique and delicious alternative.
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Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Ensure you have a pan large enough to accommodate all the chicken without overcrowding, and adjust the sauce ingredients accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a charming way to express love through food. With its savory sauce and tender chicken, this dish brings people together over delightful flavors and shared moments. I highly encourage you to give it a go and experience the magic yourself. Happy cooking!
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéeing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of chili flakes, perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 3 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Coating
- 6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour
Sauces and Fats
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
Flavorings and Additional Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (43 grams) parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add flavor to the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Season and Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Season the sauce with chili flakes, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Let everything simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through and sauce has thickened.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase chili flakes to 1-2 teaspoons.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to ensure proper browning.
- Prepare the ingredients beforehand for a quicker cooking process.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice and a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (~350g)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
