Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress? “Marry Me Chicken” is the answer. This recipe has gained popularity for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a go-to choice for romantic dinners, special occasions, or just a comforting meal at home. It’s named for its ability to “win hearts,” making it a perfect choice when you want to make a memorable impression.

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken is a dish that features chicken cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The name suggests that this dish is so delicious, it might just make someone want to marry you! Originating from various home cooks and food blogs, it’s become a beloved recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This adds a flavorful base to the chicken. You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, but boneless, skinless breasts work best for this recipe as they cook evenly and absorb the sauce well.

Making the Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, and let them cook for another 2 minutes. This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.

Next, add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano, continuing to simmer until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Cooking the Chicken

You can cook the chicken using your preferred method:

• Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the sauce over them. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Pan-searing: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, pour the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for a few minutes.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, make sure it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for ensuring that the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it over a bed of rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad complements the meal perfectly. For presentation, garnish the chicken with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken

1. Avoid Overcooking – Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) but avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy.
2. Customize the Sauce – Feel free to add extra ingredients like mushrooms or capers to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
3. Adjust Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Making It a Complete Meal

To make the meal even more substantial, consider adding vegetables such as roasted broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach. For a heartier option, serve the chicken with a side of garlic bread or a crisp, leafy salad.

Freezing and Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the oven or on the stovetop.

Health Benefits of Marry Me Chicken

This dish provides a good source of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cream and Parmesan cheese. To make it lighter, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. Including sun-dried tomatoes adds antioxidants and vitamins.

Variations of the Recipe

Experiment with different flavors by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives. For a spicier version, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with another type of cheese like Gruyère or mozzarella.

Conclusion

Easy Marry Me Chicken is a flavorful and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a comforting meal that’s sure to please anyone at your table. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or just a special family meal, this recipe is a winner.

FAQs

1. Can I use different cuts of chicken?
   Yes, you can use chicken thighs or tenders if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts may cook at different rates.
2. How do I make this dish spicier?
   To add some heat, include red pepper flakes, a splash of hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños in the sauce.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately and combine them just before serving. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a bit of chicken broth or milk to the sauce if it’s too thick.
5. Can I substitute dairy-free ingredients?
   Yes, you can use non-dairy milk and cheese substitutes if you need a dairy-free option. Almond milk or coconut milk works well as a replacement for heavy cream.
   Yield: 4

   Easy Marry Me Chicken Recipe

   

   Print

   Looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress? "Marry Me Chicken" is the answer. This recipe has gained popularity for its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, making it a go-to choice for romantic dinners, special occasions, or just a comforting meal at home. It’s named for its ability to "win hearts," making it a perfect choice when you want to make a memorable impression.

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 2 tbsp olive oil
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • 1/2 cup chicken broth
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 tsp dried basil
   • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
   • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
   4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and herbs: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Mix well to combine.
   5. Return chicken to skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top of each piece.
   6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

   Notes

   Side dishes: This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a side of steamed vegetables.

   Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

   Cream alternative: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.