Do you want to cook a dish that will truly impress your partner? Well, Marry Me Chicken is here to solve all your worries! Can you guess from the name itself? After tasting Marry Me Chicken, who wouldn’t want to propose to you, including your partner, of course?
What is Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a popular creamy and juicy chicken dish. The name “Marry Me Chicken” is said to have originated from the idea that the dish is so irresistibly delicious that someone might propose marriage to the person who prepares it!
Marry Me Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, as it can be served with various side dishes such as pasta, rice, or crusty bread. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to win the hearts of those who taste it. Whether you’re cooking to impress a loved one or simply craving a delicious chicken dish, Marry Me Chicken is a recipe worth trying!
How to make Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of chicken breast
- Flour, salt, and pepper (for seasoning)
- 2 tbsp olive oil and butter (for searing)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chicken or vegetable stock (for added flavor)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (for a cheesy touch)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (for a hint of spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano and thyme (for aromatic herbs)
- ½-1 cup sundried tomatoes (for tangy sweetness)
- Fresh basil leaves (for a refreshing finish)
Instructions
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear later on. Season the chicken with flour, salt, and pepper, coating each piece evenly. This will create a beautiful crust and add flavor to the chicken.
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts to sizzle and bubble, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a delicious outer texture.
Lower the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for a minute or so until its aroma fills the air and brings a delightful fragrance to the dish.
Pour in enough chicken or vegetable stock to cover the bottom of the pan slightly. This will create a flavorful base for the sauce to develop.
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, and chili flakes, stirring everything together to let the flavors mingle.
Add the sundried tomatoes to the pan. They’ll add a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the savory chicken and rich sauce.
Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and incorporates into the creamy goodness.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference. Then add the chicken to the sauce.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing touch.
Equipment
What To Serve Marry Me Chicken With
Though you can simply enjoy chicken alone, do you wish to get a bit more creative here? Well, then, take a look at the options below for some inspiration.
- Pasta: Serve the Marry Me Chicken over a bed of cooked pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. The creamy sauce from the chicken complements the pasta beautifully, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Rice: A bed of fluffy white or brown rice is another excellent choice to serve with Marry Me Chicken. The flavorful sauce will soak into the rice, enhancing its taste and texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and indulgent accompaniment to Marry Me Chicken. The combination of tender chicken and velvety potatoes is simply irresistible.
- Crusty Bread: For a more rustic approach, serve the chicken alongside some crusty bread. Use the bread to soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even more enjoyable.
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a healthier option, consider serving the chicken with quinoa or couscous. These grains provide a nutty and nutritious addition to the meal.
- Steamed Vegetables: Add some color and nutrition to your plate by serving the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
- Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs and olive oil make for a fantastic side dish, adding a delightful crunch and flavor to the meal.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing can complement the richness of the chicken dish and add a refreshing element to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marry Me Chicken is cherished for its rich and creamy sauce, which is beautifully infused with garlic, sundried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The name itself adds a touch of romance to the dish, making it perfect for special occasions or to impress a loved one.
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs will also work well with the creamy sauce and retain a tender and flavorful texture.
Absolutely! You can make a delicious vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Simply sear the tofu or tempeh, and then proceed with the sauce and other ingredients. You can also add your favorite vegetables to enhance the flavors further.
Yes, Marry Me Chicken is a great dish for special occasions, and you can make it ahead of time to ease your preparations. You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately in advance, refrigerate them, and then combine and simmer them together when you’re ready to serve. This allows you to focus on enjoying the occasion without being tied up in the kitchen. Just reheat the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop, and you’ll have a delightful and stress-free meal for your special event.
While it’s best to consume the dish fresh, you can freeze any leftover Marry Me Chicken for later enjoyment. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 pounds chicken breast
- Flour, salt, and pepper (for seasoning)
- 2 tbsp olive oil and butter (for searing)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 chicken or vegetable stock (for added flavor)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for creaminess)
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (for a cheesy touch)
- ½ tbsp chili flakes (for a hint of spice)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano and thyme (for aromatic herbs)
- ½-1 cup sundried tomatoes (for tangy sweetness)
- Fresh basil leaves (for a refreshing finish)
Instructions
- Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear later on. Season the chicken with flour, salt, and pepper, coating each piece evenly. This will create a beautiful crust and add flavor to the chicken.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter starts to sizzle and bubble, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a delicious outer texture.
- Lower the heat to medium, and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for a minute or so until its aroma fills the air and brings a delightful fragrance to the dish.
- Pour in enough chicken or vegetable stock to cover the bottom of the pan slightly. This will create a flavorful base for the sauce to develop.
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano, thyme, and chili flakes, stirring everything together to let the flavors mingle.
- Add the sundried tomatoes to the pan. They'll add a burst of tangy sweetness that complements the savory chicken and rich sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and incorporates into the creamy goodness.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper to your preference. Then add the chicken to the sauce.
- Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing touch.
