Marry Me Chicken RECIPE
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, juicy, and flavor-packed dish that’s rumored to be so irresistible that it will win over anyone’s heart.
This delightful chicken recipe combines tender chicken cutlets with a rich and velvety sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes.
The addition of garlic, chili flakes, and fresh basil gives the dish a unique and aromatic flavor profile. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to impress your loved one, Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
With its short preparation and cook time, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The magic begins by searing the chicken to perfection, then creating a luscious sauce in the same skillet.
Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
Chicken breasts – Sliced into thin cutlets, these are the star of the dish, providing a juicy and tender bite.
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a deep, savory flavor.
Chicken stock – Adds depth and richness to the sauce, deglazing the pan and picking up all the tasty bits.
Heavy cream – Creates a rich and creamy base that brings everything together.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami kick and helps thicken the sauce.
Chili flakes, oregano, and thyme – Provide a hint of heat and aromatic warmth, balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
Sundried tomatoes – Add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, giving the dish a Mediterranean twist.
Fresh basil – Provides a fresh and vibrant garnish that complements the creamy sauce.
Easy Steps to Make Marry Me Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper, then dredge each cutlet in flour, shaking off any excess.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat, swirling the pan to coat evenly.
Brown the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté the garlic in the same skillet until fragrant, then deglaze with chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits.
Lower the heat, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme.
Add the sundried tomatoes and return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer until the sauce is rich and creamy.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
For extra flavor, add a bit of the oil from the sundried tomatoes when sautéing the garlic.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted, but they require a longer cooking time.
Grate your own parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
If the sauce becomes too thick when reheating, add a splash of water or chicken stock to thin it out.
FAQ
Can I substitute cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?
No, cherry tomatoes won’t provide the same flavor as sun-dried tomatoes in this recipe. It’s best to stick with sun-dried for the intended taste.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for a non-dairy option?
Some readers have successfully substituted canned coconut cream for heavy cream. This provides a similar texture with a different flavor profile.
How can I thicken the sauce without flour?
You can use a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking. Mix cornstarch with water to avoid lumps.
MARRY ME CHICKEN RECIPE
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, succulent, and flavor-packed dish. Legend has it that this chicken dish is so irresistibly delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal! Regardless of its quirky name, this recipe is sure to impress and become a household favorite.
- Skillet
- Kitchen tongs
- Spatula
- 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 grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and ground black pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, ensuring they are well-coated, and shake off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add butter, allowing it to melt completely. Swirl the skillet to coat the bottom evenly.
- Place the chicken cutlets in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded (cook in batches if necessary). Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover it, and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for approximately one minute, or until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, deglazing the pan by scraping any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. Season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes, and return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting the sauce simmer and thicken for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve hot over pasta or rice.
- Chicken cutlets or steaks can usually be found at most grocery stores. Alternatively, you can slice a chicken breast horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- To cut chicken breasts into thin cutlets: place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Hold it steady with one hand, and with a sharp knife, cut horizontally, parallel to the cutting board. The slices should be about ¼ inch thick; if thicker, use a meat mallet to pound them thinner.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs may be substituted, though they will require a longer cooking time.
- For added flavor, consider sautéing the garlic in a bit of sun-dried tomato oil.
- Avoid using half-and-half or single cream, as these won’t thicken the sauce properly.
- For the best flavor and melting quality, buy a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it yourself, rather than using pre-grated cheese.
Storing Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to thin the sauce as needed, as it may thicken during refrigeration.
Freezing is not recommended for creamy sauces, as they may become grainy upon thawing.
Creative Variations for Marry Me Chicken
Consider swapping chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor, or use a mix of both for variety.
For a lighter option, try using a reduced-fat cream. You can also experiment with adding different herbs like rosemary or tarragon, or mix in a handful of spinach for added color and nutrients.
Serve Marry Me Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
To enjoy Marry Me Chicken later, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may become grainy upon thawing.
Indulge in this luscious and aromatic dish that has won hearts and inspired proposals. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, Marry Me Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!