Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with juicy chicken, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply want to impress your family and friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Its unique name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could lead to a proposal! With its rich taste and appealing presentation, Marry Me Chicken stands out as one of the best chicken recipes you’ll ever make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor: The combination of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes creates a rich and savory sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
- Quick preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, you can have a gourmet meal ready in just 25 minutes!
- Versatile serving options: Serve Marry Me Chicken over pasta or rice for a complete meal that suits any palate.
- Ideal for special occasions: This dish is perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or any event where you want to impress your guests.
- Easy cleanup: Cooking in one skillet means less mess and hassle when it comes to washing up after your delicious meal.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare Marry Me Chicken successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will help you achieve the best results while making the cooking process smooth.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet is essential for browning the chicken evenly and creating the creamy sauce without overcrowding.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for deglazing the pan and scraping up those flavorful bits stuck at the bottom.
- Knife: A good knife ensures precise cutting of chicken breasts into thin cutlets, allowing for even cooking.
Ingredients
Marry Me Chicken requires fresh ingredients to bring out its wonderful flavors. Here’s what you need:
- 3 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each piece in flour and shake off any excess.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add unsalted butter and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
- Brown the chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer cooked chicken onto a plate, cover it, and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté minced garlic in the same skillet for about one minute or until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock and use the wooden spoon to deglaze by scraping up any bits stuck on the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Create Creamy Mixture
- Lower heat to medium-low.
- Add heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet.
- Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Season & Add Chicken Back
- Season with chili flakes, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
- Stir in chopped sundried tomatoes.
- Return browned chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer for an additional few minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Enjoy warm over pasta or rice!
Now you’re all set to create this mouthwatering Marry Me Chicken! Whether it’s a special occasion or just another weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with various sides. Serving it in creative ways can enhance your dining experience and impress your guests.
Over Pasta
- Serve the chicken over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine to soak up the creamy sauce.
With Rice
- Pair it with fluffy white rice or brown rice for a comforting meal that balances flavors.
On a Bed of Greens
- For a lighter option, serve the chicken on mixed greens or spinach, drizzled with the creamy sauce.
With Crusty Bread
- Offer slices of crusty bread on the side to scoop up the delicious sauce.
As Part of a Salad
- Slice the chicken and add it to a fresh salad with cherry tomatoes and avocado for a wholesome lunch.
With Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes can be a perfect base to complement the rich flavors of Marry Me Chicken.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken
Perfecting your Marry Me Chicken will elevate this dish to new heights. Here are some tips for getting it just right:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will enhance the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning and proper cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed during cooking for optimal flavor balance.
Let It Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps thicken it and melds all flavors together beautifully.
Experiment with Cheese: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken
Pairing sides with Marry Me Chicken can make your meal more satisfying. Here are some great options:
Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well, making it an excellent match.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides crunch and complements the creamy sauce nicely.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad can add texture and is packed with nutrients.
Creamed Spinach: Rich and creamy spinach enhances the comfort level of your meal.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream or chives offer a filling side option.
Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous flavored with herbs can be an excellent base for this dish’s rich sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Marry Me Chicken is easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Not seasoning properly: Failing to season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan: This can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown, resulting in less flavor. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Skipping the deglazing step: Ignoring this step means missing out on flavor from the browned bits in the pan. Always scrape the bottom after adding liquids to build a rich sauce.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Using subpar chicken or cream can affect taste. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Not allowing the sauce to thicken: Rushing this process leads to a watery sauce. Let it simmer until it reaches your desired consistency for full flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Let it cool completely before sealing the container.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Make sure to remove as much air as possible from freezer bags.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken that you might find helpful.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful chicken dish that’s said to be so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal!
Can I customize Marry Me Chicken?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or switch out the sundried tomatoes for fresh ones.
How do I serve Marry Me Chicken?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or a side salad.
Is Marry Me Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This dish keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions carefully.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, this creamy chicken dish will impress everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients!
Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you. This delightful entrée features juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes, creating an irresistible blend of savory and rich flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, Marry Me Chicken is quick to prepare and elegantly presented, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion. In just about 25 minutes, you can create a dish that not only tastes extraordinary but also looks stunning on the plate. Get ready for compliments and maybe even a proposal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat; brown chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
- Sauté garlic in the same skillet for one minute, then add chicken stock to deglaze the pan.
- Reduce heat; stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for a few minutes.
- Add seasonings and sundried tomatoes; return chicken to skillet. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
