Imagine a dish so delightful that it’s rumored to spark marriage proposals! Meet the **Marry Me Chicken**—a tantalizing medley of succulent chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs that is bound to steal hearts and satisfy appetites. Let’s dive into the magic of this dish that’s as charming as its name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Romantic History: Its name says it all—legend has it, this dish leads to proposals!
- Easy Elegance: It comes together quickly yet presents as a gourmet meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce, zesty garlic, and sundried tomatoes meld into perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting the perfect **Marry Me Chicken** requires a selection of simple, yet impactful ingredients. Each component not only brings its unique flair but also supports the beautiful harmony of flavors. Let’s explore these essentials!
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, they become even more succulent when sliced into thin cutlets.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light coating that helps achieve a golden crust on the chicken.
- Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter: The dynamic duo for browning, adding depth and richness to the chicken.
- Garlic: This aromatic hero adds a fragrant foundation to the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Enhances flavor while deglazing the pan for extra savory goodness.
- Heavy Cream: Key for that dreamy, velvety sauce consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and sharp, it’s best when freshly grated to melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Spices: A dash of chili flakes, oregano, and thyme elevate the taste profile.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Offer a sweet-tart pop of flavor and gorgeous color.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A vibrant garnish that brings everything together with its aromatic freshness.
Variations
The beauty of the **Marry Me Chicken** is its amazing versatility! It’s incredibly easy to tweak based on what you have in your kitchen or your dietary preferences. Here are some ways you can make it your own:
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or zucchini for a plant-based treat.
- Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you enjoy a fiery touch.
- Herbiet Variant: Swap basil with rosemary or sage for an aromatic twist.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Dredge Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour to give each piece a subtle, crisp layer when cooked. This step is crucial for locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 2: Sizzle and Sauté
In a large skillet, warm your olive oil and melt butter over medium heat, letting them coat the pan evenly. Brown your chicken cutlets, ensuring a golden hue on each side, then set them aside. This not only cooks your chicken but builds a flavorful base for your sauce with the crispy bits left behind.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Keeping the same skillet, simmer garlic until it releases that mouthwatering aroma. Stir in chicken stock, scraping up any crisp bits with a wooden spoon, then add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it all simmer, developing into a lush, creamy sauce that dreams are made of.
Step 4: Simmer and Finish the Dish
Return the chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce, thickening beautifully. Introduce sundried tomatoes and fresh basil for bursts of flavor and color. Allow everything to meld together for a few more minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken
- Perfect Chicken: For even cooking, make sure your chicken cutlets are uniform in thickness. A quick press with a meat mallet can help.
- Creamy Consistency: Avoid using half and half, as it won’t thicken like heavy cream—stick to the good stuff for that perfect sauce!
- Aromatically Enhanced: Enhance the garlic aroma by adding a splash of sundried tomato oil during sautéing.
- Cheese Choice: Grate your own parmesan from a block; it melts more smoothly and provides a richer flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves adds a pop of green and a fresh aroma that complements the creamy richness of the **Marry Me Chicken**. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for an unexpected hint of brightness.
Side Dishes
This delightful dish pairs perfectly with a side of al dente pasta or fluffy jasmine rice, soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed asparagus can add balance to the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your **Marry Me Chicken** family-style in a rustic skillet, or plate individually with artistic swirls of sauce, a sprinkling of cheese, and a puzzle of basil leaves for that gourmet flare. Display the vibrant sundried tomatoes on top for an eye-catching presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your **Marry Me Chicken** can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or stock to recover that creamy consistency.
Freezing
Due to its creamy nature, this dish isn’t ideal for freezing, as the sauce may become grainy. If you must freeze, do so before adding cream and then finish the sauce upon reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your **Marry Me Chicken** on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the sauce appears too thick. This ensures a smooth, delicious finish every time.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used and offer a richer flavor. Just note that they’ll require a bit longer cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
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What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, crème fraîche or even full-fat coconut milk can work, though the flavor and consistency will be slightly different.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your chicken stock is gluten-free.
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Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and the cream with coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
Ready to wow your loved ones with a dish that’s as charming as it is delicious? **Marry Me Chicken** is a must-try recipe that marries flavors perfectly on your plate. Whether you’re aiming for romance or simply satisfying a keen appetite, this dish is bound to delight and impress!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful sauce of garlic, sundried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal.
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
Flour and Oils
- 6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
Garlic and Broth
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
Heavy Cream and Cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- 1/2 cup (43 grams) Parmesan cheese grated
Flavorings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Season and Dredge: Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off any excess to coat evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover, and set aside.
- Saute Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and saute for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze: Pour in chicken stock and scrape any browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan.
- Make the Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low, add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Season the sauce with chili flakes, thyme, oregano, then add sundried tomatoes. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens further.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with chopped fresh basil, and serve warm over pasta or rice for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Chicken cutlets are available pre-sliced, but you can slice a whole chicken breast into thin cutlets yourself.
- If your chicken breasts are thicker, use a meat mallet to pound them thinner to about ¼ inch for even cooking.
- Boneless and skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative but will require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Adding a little sundried tomato oil when sauteing the garlic enhances the flavor.
- For best flavor, grate your own Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe (about 350g)
- Calories: 447 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 601 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg
