Hey there! I’m Jacob Allen, I’m a chef who loves crafting new dishes and shares on Beyond the Bayou Blog. Today I will be sharing Recipe of Marry Me Chicken.
A friend told me about “Marry Me Chicken,” and I was intrigued by the name. This dish is a creamy, flavorful chicken recipe with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, all cooked in a rich sauce. It’s said to be so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal. I can’t wait to give it a try in my kitchen!
Overview: Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe
“Marry Me Chicken” is a mouthwatering chicken dish known for its creamy, savory sauce that combines heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The name is a playful nod to the idea that the dish is so delicious it might lead to a marriage proposal! This dish has a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, making it a standout meal for any occasion.
To prepare “Marry Me Chicken,” you start by searing chicken breasts in a hot skillet until they’re golden brown and set them aside. The sauce is where the magic happens. It’s made with sautéed garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. The seared chicken is then returned to the skillet to soak up the rich, creamy sauce, allowing it to simmer and cook until it’s tender and infused with flavor.
This dish is typically served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, providing a hearty base that complements the creamy sauce. A garnish of fresh basil adds a touch of color and brightness to the dish. What makes “Marry Me Chicken” so versatile is that you can add other ingredients like mushrooms or spinach to suit your taste. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just want a comforting meal at home, “Marry Me Chicken” is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan with a lid
- Tongs or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Stirring Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Add the Cream and Tomatoes: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the Parmesan and Seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, until it’s fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over pasta, rice, or vegetables. Garnish with chopped basil
Notes
Nutrition
Here are some handy tips to make sure your “Marry Me Chicken” turns out perfect:-
Chicken Cutlets vs. Chicken Breasts: While you can often find chicken cutlets or steaks at the supermarket, you can easily make your own by slicing a chicken breast in half horizontally. This way, you get two thinner pieces that cook more evenly and quickly.
Infuse Flavor with Sundried Tomato Oil: When sautéing the garlic, add a splash of oil from the sundried tomatoes jar. This step brings extra depth to the sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Use Heavy Cream Only: Don’t be tempted to substitute with single or light cream. These lighter creams won’t thicken the sauce enough, leaving you with a runny consistency instead of a rich, creamy one. Stick with heavy cream for best results.
Grate Your Own Parmesan: If you can, buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself. Not only does it taste fresher, but it also dissolves better in the sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan from the store often lacks flavor and can stay clumpy when added to the sauce.
These tips will help you create a flavorful and creamy “Marry Me Chicken” that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The dish is named “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s so delicious that it’s said to prompt a marriage proposal. Of course, it’s more about the memorable flavor than any guarantees of engagement, but the name adds a fun, romantic touch.
Can I make “Marry Me Chicken” ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce on low heat and add the chicken to warm it through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken during reheating.
What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken?
- Pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- Rice (white, brown, or wild)
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted Vegetables
- Garlic bread
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream or another dairy-free alternative instead of heavy cream. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute or omit the cheese entirely. Note that the flavor and texture might differ from the original recipe.
Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
Absolutely! Some variations include adding mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes to the sauce. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
What is the best way to reheat “Marry Me Chicken”?
Reheat the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. You can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating.