Marry Me Chicken

When I first stumbled upon the Marry Me Chicken recipe, I was intrigued. The name alone sparked a sense of curiosity and excitement. It was a rainy evening, and the perfect time for a cozy dinner that promised to impress. After trying this dish for the first time, I understood why it carries such a romantic title. The creamy sauce enveloping the tender, juicy chicken makes it a dish that’s sure to win hearts, whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to something delightful. The flavors blend so beautifully, creating a symphony that dances on your palate, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Cooking can sometimes feel daunting, but this recipe makes you feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen. You could totally serve this at a dinner party or make it for a quiet night in. Trust me, after one bite, you might just find yourself proposing to your taste buds!

What to Gather for Marry Me Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for creating a memorable dish. Each ingredient in the Marry Me Chicken recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor. The combination of fresh herbs, rich cream, and succulent chicken creates a symphony on your plate. Let’s dive into these key players and see how they transform this meal into something special.

• 1.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These chicken breasts are the star of the dish, providing the base for the creamy sauce. They should be juicy and tender, allowing for an easy, enjoyable bite.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This blend adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors, ensuring a well-rounded taste in every bite.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A dash of pepper offers a subtle heat that complements the dish beautifully.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These tomatoes give a rich, tangy flavor, and the oil is perfect for sautéing the chicken, adding depth and moisture.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Garlic is a must-have for adding that aromatic essence to the sauce.
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth: This broth keeps the dish flavorful yet balanced, preventing it from becoming overly salty.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This creates the luxurious, creamy sauce that makes the dish truly special.
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds richness and a delicious depth of flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard: Mustard adds a hint of tanginess that brightens the sauce.
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: This optional ingredient can provide just the right amount of heat according to your preference.
• 3/4 cup ribboned fresh basil: Fresh basil is a wonderful touch, adding a burst of freshness to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Marry Me Chicken

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process for the Marry Me Chicken. It’s all about layering flavors while keeping the steps easy to follow. You’ll soon find that this delightful dish comes together in no time!

1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Begin by slicing each breast in half widthwise to create two thinner pieces. This step ensures they cook evenly. If the pieces seem thick, don’t hesitate to pound them lightly. It’s all about achieving that perfect cooking thickness.
2. Take 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning and combine it with the salt and pepper. Season one side of each chicken piece with this mixture. This will infuse the chicken with flavor right from the start.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sear the chicken when added.
4. Once hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet, seasoned side down. Make sure to season the other side with the remaining mixture. You want to create that beautiful golden crust, so resist the urge to flip too early.
5. Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 4 minutes. After this time, gently flip the pieces. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with foil to keep warm.
6. Reduce the heat to medium. Add another drizzle (~1 teaspoon) of sun-dried tomato oil to the pan along with the minced garlic. Stir quickly—be careful not to let it burn. About 10 seconds should do the trick.
7. Add in half a cup of the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a lot of flavor hangs out! Let the broth simmer for about 1 minute or until it’s mostly evaporated.
8. Next, pour in the remaining half cup of broth, along with the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), the remaining Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts into the sauce, thickening it nicely. This should take around 2 to 4 minutes.
9. Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Every palate is different, so make it your own!
10. Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves and return the chicken (along with any juices from the plate) to the pan. Spoon that delectable sauce over the chicken, and it’s ready to serve immediately!

Tips for Success

To make the most of your Marry Me Chicken, here are some practical tips that will ensure a successful dish every time. These pointers will help you navigate the cooking process smoothly.

• Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure it’s cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or oregano to give your dish a different flavor profile.
• Presentation: Garnish with additional fresh basil or Parmesan before serving to enhance the visual appeal.

What to Serve Alongside Marry Me Chicken

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect base to soak up the rich sauce of the Marry Me Chicken. They add a comforting element to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce, making for a balanced plate.
• Side Salad: A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the indulgence of the chicken.
• Pasta or Rice: Serve over a bed of pasta or fluffy rice to enjoy the creamy sauce fully. It makes for a filling, satisfying dinner.
• Seasonal Pairings: Think about seasonal vegetables or flavors that complement the dish. For instance, in the summer, pairing with fresh tomatoes can add a delightful twist.
• Occasions: This dish is great for date nights, anniversaries, or even family gatherings. It creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that everyone will appreciate.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Marry Me Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and heartwarming moments. It’s a dish that can elevate any occasion, creating memories that last. I encourage you to try making it; the joy it brings to the table is truly special. You might just find yourself falling in love with your cooking all over again!

Marry Me Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Marry Me Chicken offers a creamy, rich sauce enveloping tender chicken breasts. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a romantic evening, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you'll want to make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 even-sized breasts
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil plus surrounding oil, see note 1
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth divided, see note 2
• 1 cup heavy cream see note 3
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese see note 4
• 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 3/4 cup ribboned fresh basil .75 oz packet

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Method

 

1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Begin by slicing each breast in half widthwise to create two thinner pieces. This step ensures they cook evenly. If the pieces seem thick, don’t hesitate to pound them lightly. It’s all about achieving that perfect cooking thickness.
2. Take 1 teaspoon of the Italian seasoning and combine it with the salt and pepper. Season one side of each chicken piece with this mixture. This will infuse the chicken with flavor right from the start.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough to sear the chicken when added.
4. Once hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet, seasoned side down. Make sure to season the other side with the remaining mixture. You want to create that beautiful golden crust, so resist the urge to flip too early.
5. Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 4 minutes. After this time, gently flip the pieces. Continue cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and cover it with foil to keep warm.
6. Reduce the heat to medium. Add another drizzle (~1 teaspoon) of sun-dried tomato oil to the pan along with the minced garlic. Stir quickly—be careful not to let it burn. About 10 seconds should do the trick.
7. Add in half a cup of the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where a lot of flavor hangs out! Let the broth simmer for about 1 minute or until it’s mostly evaporated.
8. Next, pour in the remaining half cup of broth, along with the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), the remaining Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese melts into the sauce, thickening it nicely. This should take around 2 to 4 minutes.
9. Take a moment to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Every palate is different, so make it your own!
10. Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves and return the chicken (along with any juices from the plate) to the pan. Spoon that delectable sauce over the chicken, and it’s ready to serve immediately!

Notes

• Tip 1: Opt for sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil with herbs instead of dry-packed. Use the oil to sauté the chicken for added flavor. Bonus: choose julienne-cut tomatoes to skip the chopping!
• Tip 2: Since we’ve seasoned the chicken, and Parmesan cheese naturally has a good amount of salt, using low-sodium chicken broth ensures this dish isn’t too salty.
• Tip 3: Heavy whipping cream heightens the dish’s flavor complexity and textural appeal. Lower-fat substitutes or non-dairy alternatives unfortunately won’t thicken properly in this dish.
• Tip 4: Use a block of Parmesan cheese and grate it on the small holes of a cheese grater. Gently pack it into your measuring cup. Avoid jarred Parmesan—it’s too salty and will overpower the flavor!

Previous PostPumpkin Cheesecake

Next Post Chicken Nacho Casserole

Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.