Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

Introduction:
Marry Me Chicken is a tantalizing dish that brings together succulent chicken breasts and a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors is so irresistible that many claim it has the power to win hearts! This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or when you want to impress your guests.

Inspiration Behind the Recipe:
This recipe is inspired by the idea of creating a meal so delicious that it might just make someone pop the question. The creamy sauce and vibrant flavors are designed to evoke love and warmth, making it a favorite for special occasions.

Ingredients Breakdown:

  • For the Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
    • Salt and pepper (to taste)
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • For the Creamy Sauce:
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Sear the Chicken:
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add Chicken Broth and Cream:
    • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, then add heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  5. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cheese:
    • Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and dried basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Return Chicken to the Pan:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Allow to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  7. Garnish and Serve:
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Pair with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken:

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the flavor of the sauce.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it remains juicy and tender.
  3. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.

Variations and Customizations:

  1. Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms when cooking the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
  2. Spicy Kick: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:

  • Lower-Fat Option: Use half-and-half or a low-fat cream alternative for a lighter sauce.
  • Gluten-Free: Ensure that the chicken broth is gluten-free, and enjoy this dish without any gluten concerns.

FAQ:

  1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
    Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
  3. What sides go well with this dish?
    Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

Experience the enchanting flavors of Marry Me Chicken, where tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for romantic dinners and guaranteed to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons 50 grams all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons 30 ml olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons 28 grams unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup 240 ml chicken stock
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
  • ½ cup 43 grams parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme
  • ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to evenly coat with the oil and butter. Brown the chicken (do not overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary) for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken onto a plate, cover, and set aside.
  • Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Add the chicken stock to the skillet, deglazing the pan by scraping any bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon.
  • Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.
  • Season the Sauce: Add the chili flakes, oregano, and thyme to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the Sundried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.
  • Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve warm over pasta or rice.

Notes

  • Chicken Cutlets: You can purchase pre-sliced chicken cutlets or slice chicken breasts in half to achieve thin cutlets. To do this, place a chicken breast flat on a cutting board, hold it down with one hand, and slice horizontally with a sharp knife. The cutlets should be about ¼ inch thick. If thicker, use a meat mallet to pound them down.
  • Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts, but they will take longer to cook.
  • Garlic Flavor Tip: For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in a little sundried tomato oil.
  • Cream: Avoid using half-and-half or single cream, as they won’t thicken the sauce properly.
  • Parmesan: Grate parmesan cheese from a block for the best flavor and meltability. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.

Storing Tips

  • Leftovers: Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to thin the sauce, as it thickens in the fridge.
  • Freezing: Creamy sauces don’t freeze well, as they can become grainy when thawed, so it’s not recommended to freeze this dish.
Keyword Marry Me Chicken
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