Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy dish full of bold flavor and comfort. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of spice, it’s perfect for romantic dinners or family meals—and tasty enough to win anyone’s heart.
Why We Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe
There’s something magical about Marry Me Chicken that makes it special. First, it combines simple ingredients that transform into an extraordinary treat. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor, while the creaminess of the sauce elevates the dish entirely. Plus, the vibrant color of the spinach makes the presentation mouthwatering!
This dish is not just about taste; it’s versatile too. You can easily tweak the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, making Marry Me Chicken is straightforward and guarantees a delicious outcome. Best of all, it’s a recipe that fosters connection, perfect for date nights or sophisticated family dinner gatherings.
Ingredients About Marry Me Chicken
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, or a gluten-free flour mix
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed
- 1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Directions
Getting started on your Marry Me Chicken is an incredibly simple process that involves a few basic steps, but the flavors you create together will have a lasting impression.
Prepare the Chicken: First, take your halved chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and a tender bite. Season each piece with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the floured chicken pieces to the skillet. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced shallot and garlic, sautéing them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and soft. Following this, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to enhance its flavor.
Add Spinach and Tomatoes: Next, it’s time to add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together, cooking until the spinach wilts down and integrates with the other ingredients.
Bring on the Creaminess: Lower the heat and add in the reduced-fat cream cheese, chicken broth, half-and-half, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is rich and well mixed.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, allowing it to simmer in the creamy sauce for a few minutes until everything is heated through and nicely combined.
Final Touch: To finish, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give it a moment to melt slightly before serving.
With each step, you’re creating not just a dish but a meal that promises satisfaction and joy. The rich flavors entwined with the beautiful presentation turn every plate into a work of heart.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
When it comes to serving your Marry Me Chicken, the possibilities are endless! This dish shines best when plated alongside simple sides that complement its flavor. Here are some delectable ideas:
- Over Rice or Pasta: Serve your chicken and creamy sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta. The sauce will soak into the grains or noodles, elevating each bite.
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair your Marry Me Chicken with a refreshing side salad. A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette beautifully balances the richness of the dish.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables add a slight crunch and color to your plate. Think of carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini seasoned and roasted to perfection.
- Galore of Bread Choices: A piece of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the glorious sauce. A lovely baguette or garlic bread can elevate the dining experience even further.
Making the dining experience personal and enjoyable will make your meal even more special. The perfect plate of Marry Me Chicken, accompanied by your favorite sides, will surely have everyone asking for seconds!
Expert Tips: Marry Me Chicken
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Thicker Chicken for Moisture: When pounding your chicken, ensure that you don’t overdo it. You want the pieces to be even in thickness but still juicy after cooking.
- Embrace the Flavors: Do not hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices. Consider adding fresh basil or a splash of lemon juice for an extra flavor boost.
- Cheese Variation: If you’d like, you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese for mascarpone cheese or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms into your sauce for a heartier meal.
- Sauce Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken before serving.
Using these tips will keep your cooking experience enjoyable and help you execute your Marry Me Chicken flawlessly.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers (though you might not!), it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain freshness:
- Refrigeration: Once the dish has cooled, place any remaining Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
- Freezing: You can freeze the chicken, but be sure to separate it from the sauce, as the cream can change texture when thawed. Freeze both components in separate airtight containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or a little cream to revive the sauce’s creamy texture.
Variation of Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a versatile dish, allowing room for creativity. Here are some variations you might consider to suit your taste preferences:
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with other fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary to add depth to the dish. Fresh herbs can brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes directly into the dish as it simmers to cater to your spice tolerance.
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey or even tofu if you’re looking to create a vegetarian version. Ensure you adjust cooking times appropriately.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cream cheese and vegetable broth to create a completely vegan version of this dish. Serve it over quinoa or barley for a hearty feel.
These variations allow you to experiment while keeping the essence of Marry Me Chicken intact. Every variant you create will have its own charm!
Frequently Asked Questions about Marry Me Chicken
What makes Marry Me Chicken so special?
Marry Me Chicken stands out thanks to its creamy sauce and the combination of flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. The dish creates a romantic atmosphere that makes it perfect for special occasions.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and combine when ready to serve.
What side dishes go well with Marry Me Chicken?
Some excellent sides include rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Bread for dipping in the sauce is also a great addition!
Is it possible to make Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour mix for dredging the chicken, and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
How can I add more vegetables to Marry Me Chicken?
Feel free to include seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini while cooking the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise Pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped Adds a burst of flavor.
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed For a vibrant color and added nutrition.
- 1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese Creamy base for the sauce.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth Use low-sodium when possible.
- 3 tablespoons half-and-half Adds creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese For topping before serving.
Seasoning and Cooking Essentials
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt For seasoning chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper For seasoning chicken.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, or a gluten-free flour mix For dredging chicken.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided Used for searing chicken and making sauce.
- 1 small shallot, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds flavor to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste Enhances richness of the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano Adds flavor.
- Pinch red pepper flakes Optional, for a hint of heat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pound halved chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Dredge in flour and shake off excess.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Add remaining olive oil to the skillet, sauté shallot and garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until spinach wilts.
- Lower heat and add cream cheese, chicken broth, half-and-half, oregano, and red pepper flakes, stirring until well mixed.
Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and serve.