If you are looking for a recipe that is guaranteed to impress your loved ones, then look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delightful combination of flavors.
Why We Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe
The appeal of Marry Me Chicken lies not just in its delightful taste but also in its simplicity and versatility. It offers the perfect blend of rich flavors without overwhelming your palate. The dish starts with tender chicken breasts that are thinly sliced for quick cooking. Each cutlet is seasoned to perfection, dredged lightly in flour, and then cooked until golden brown.
But it doesn’t stop there. The real magic happens in the sauce—an enticing blend of heavy cream, chicken stock, and parmesan cheese, brightened with garlic and sundried tomatoes. This combination meets every criterion for a comforting meal that warms your heart and fuels your soul. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this recipe easily translates to any occasion, and the best part? It’s ready in less than an hour!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
Before you get started, let’s gather the essentials needed to create this delectable dish. Here’s what you need:
- 3 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Now let’s dive into the detailed steps to bring your Marry Me Chicken to life.
Start by seasoning your chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper. This initial step is crucial—they need to be flavorful right from the get-go!
Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour. Shake off any excess flour to ensure that they are lightly coated, which adds to the texture without overshadowing the chicken itself.
Heat your large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil along with the unsalted butter. Let the butter melt completely, creating a flavorful base for browning the chicken.
Carefully add the coated chicken cutlets to the skillet, browning them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown color—this is what adds not only flavor but visual appeal.
Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep it warm while you prepare your sauce.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about a minute or until it becomes aromatic—be careful not to let it burn!
Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping the bits that may be stuck to the bottom. These bits hold tremendous flavor.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently as the sauce begins to simmer.
Season your sauce with chili flakes, oregano, thyme, and adjust with salt and pepper according to taste.
Toss in the chopped sundried tomatoes, and return the chicken to the skillet. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the heavenly flavors.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves to elevate both the look and flavor of your dish.
Serve warm, preferably over pasta or rice, and watch as everyone enjoys every bite!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
The presentation can turn an already delicious plate into an extraordinary dish. You may serve Marry Me Chicken atop a bed of freshly cooked pasta or fluffy rice, allowing those creamy flavors to soak into the starches.
If you’re planning a romantic setting, consider garnishing with freshly chopped basil and perhaps a sprinkle of extra parmesan for visual appeal. For a side, a simple green salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar can balance out the richness of the chicken.
You can also offer a light wine or a refreshing lemonade to accompany the meal, turning it into a delightful dining experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Expert Tips for Marry Me Chicken
Choosing the right chicken: Chicken cutlets work best, as they cook quickly and are easy to manage. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t rush the browning: Allow the chicken to develop a nice sear on each side, as this adds depth to the flavor of the meat.
Adjust the sauce: If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, let it simmer further to reduce. If you prefer a lighter version, you can add a bit more chicken stock and let it stay saucy.
Sundried tomatoes: If you aren’t a fan of sundried tomatoes or want to switch things up, consider adding spinach or mushrooms for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, just warm it up and add the precooked chicken before serving.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken
If you find yourself with leftovers (which may not be a common occurrence!), storing your Marry Me Chicken is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature and transfer it to an airtight container.
You can refrigerate it for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken
While the classic Marry Me Chicken is a delightful masterpiece on its own, there are numerous ways to tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:
Add veggies: Feel free to incorporate steamed broccoli or asparagus for some added nutrition and crunch.
Cheese choices: If parmesan isn’t your favorite, you can experiment with mozzarella or gouda, which will add a different profile to your dish.
Spice it up: For those who prefer some extra heat, consider adding fresh chilies or hot sauce to the sauce to give it a kick.
Herbal highlights: Switch up the basil for other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to change the flavor dynamics.
Noodle swap: Try serving the chicken over zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish made with tender chicken cutlets, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and a savory sauce that many believe can win hearts.
How long does it take to make Marry Me Chicken?
You can prepare Marry Me Chicken in approximately 30 to 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Can I use chicken thighs for Marry Me Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may require a bit longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This delightful dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also add roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately in the refrigerator. Just warm it up and add the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife
Ingredients
- 3 pieces large chicken breasts boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp. chili flakes
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- 1/4 tsp. thyme
- 1/3 cup sundried tomatoes chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter. Once melted, add the chicken cutlets and brown for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken stock, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, then add heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir gently until the sauce simmers.
- Season the sauce with chili flakes, oregano, thyme, and adjust to taste.
- Add chopped sundried tomatoes, return the chicken to the skillet, and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
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