Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a delicious sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It's perfect for impressing your loved ones during a romantic dinner, and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes! The flavors are so irresistible, you might just hear wedding bells. Keep exploring to uncover the full recipe and tips for making this culinary masterpiece.
History
Although Marry Me Chicken only emerged in 2016, it quickly became a sensation in the culinary world, thanks to its delicious blend of Italian flavors.
Originally known as Sicilian Chicken Skillet, its name changed during a video shoot when a comment about its proposal-worthy taste caught attention. Inspired by the popularity of Tuscan Chicken Pasta, this dish features rich ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Its ease of preparation makes it a favorite for home cooks. You'll find Marry Me Chicken is perfect for romantic dinners, elevating any meal into a special occasion.
Since its debut, the dish's popularity has soared, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress their loved ones.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), for garnish
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by seasoning the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Serve garnished with fresh herbs.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify that your chicken breasts are of even thickness to promote even cooking. You can pound them slightly before dredging if needed.
Additionally, feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or broccoli, for an extra touch of flavor and nutrition.
When reheating leftovers, do so gently on low heat to prevent the cream from separating, verifying that your Marry Me Chicken remains creamy and delicious even the next day.
Cooking Steps
To kick off the cooking steps for your Marry Me Chicken, you'll sear the chicken in olive oil until it's golden brown.
Next, you'll add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to build flavor before simmering everything in a creamy sauce.
Finally, finish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for that perfect touch.
Step 1. Sear Chicken in Olive Oil
Heat 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until it shimmers without smoking.
Season your chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper, then dredge them in flour for an even coating.
Carefully add the chicken to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Sear each cutlet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
If needed, cook in batches to maintain the skillet's temperature for ideal searing.
Once the chicken is perfectly browned, set it aside, allowing the rendered fat in the skillet to remain.
This flavorful base will elevate your creamy sauce later on, making your dish irresistible.
Happy cooking!
Step 2. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
When you've got that beautifully seared chicken set aside, it's time to infuse the skillet with flavor.
Start by returning the skillet to medium-high heat and adding 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Next, add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed, alongside the garlic. This combination releases a rich, tangy taste that elevates your dish.
To amp up the flavor, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir in some tomato paste to deepen the tomato essence in your cream sauce.
Make sure the sun-dried tomatoes are evenly distributed before returning the chicken to the skillet, setting you up for a delightful, flavorful experience.
Step 3. Simmer in Cream Sauce
With the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes adding their rich flavors, you're ready to create a luscious cream sauce.
Start by reducing the heat to medium-low and melting the remaining butter in the skillet. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then deglaze the pan with chicken stock, scraping up any brown bits. Allow it to reduce by half to enhance the flavor.
Next, stir in the heavy cream, more chicken stock, and Italian seasoning, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Finally, return the skinless chicken breasts to the sauce and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This way, the chicken absorbs all those creamy flavors, making it irresistible!
Step 4. Add Fresh Basil Leaves
To elevate the flavor profile of your Marry Me Chicken, add fresh basil leaves just before serving. Roughly chop about 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves to enhance the aromatic profile of the dish.
Incorporate the fresh basil into the creamy sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes to create a balanced flavor that truly shines. This addition not only boosts the taste but also brings a vibrant color, making your dish visually appealing.
Step 5. Garnish With Grated Parmesan
After incorporating fresh basil leaves into your creamy sauce, it's time to add another layer of flavor.
Grab some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it melts more smoothly and enhances the dish's texture. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan over the Marry Me Chicken just before serving, allowing it to slightly melt into the sauce.
This not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal with its beautiful contrast against the rich sauce. For an extra touch, consider placing additional grated Parmesan on the table, so your guests can customize their servings to taste.
This simple garnish elevates your dish, making it even more irresistible and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Final Thoughts
While you may be looking for a quick meal option, Marry Me Chicken proves to be both simple and indulgent.
This versatile dish features a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, adding a rich flavor that'll impress everyone at the table.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, it can be prepared in under 30 minutes, serving 4 to 6 people effortlessly.
Pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for an elevated dining experience.
And don't worry about leftovers; just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making reheating a breeze.
Enjoy Marry Me Chicken again and again without the fuss!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do They Call It "Marry Me Chicken"?
The name "marry me chicken" suggests it's a dish so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal.
When you taste it, you'll understand why people find it irresistible. Its rich flavors and creamy sauce create a romantic experience, perfect for special occasions or date nights.
You might even impress your loved ones, making them think twice about your culinary skills.
It's a meal that's meant to create unforgettable moments together.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Made Of?
Did you know that about 70% of people prefer creamy sauces in their meals?
When you're making a delicious creamy chicken dish, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you can slice into cutlets for faster cooking.
You'll also want heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that rich flavor, along with sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet tang.
Don't forget garlic, fresh basil, and seasoned flour to really elevate your dish!
What Is the Difference Between Marry Me Chicken and Tuscan Chicken?
When comparing Tuscan Chicken and its variations, you'll notice key differences in ingredients and flavors.
Tuscan Chicken typically doesn't use red pepper flakes, while the other version does, adding a spicy kick.
The sauce for Tuscan Chicken mainly relies on heavy cream, but the alternative combines heavy cream and chicken broth.
Additionally, Tuscan Chicken often includes spinach, while the other dish features fresh basil for a distinct taste.
These variations create unique culinary experiences.
What Do You Have With Marry Me Chicken?
When you're planning a meal, think about what sides will enhance your main dish. Garlic butter pasta pairs beautifully, allowing the creamy sauce to cling to the noodles.
For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes soak up rich sauces perfectly. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a revitalizing contrast, while garlic bread provides a crunchy texture.
If you're looking for a low-carb option, try serving it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
