Marry Me Chicken In the vast universe of internet recipes, few dishes live up to their name with such audacious charm and proven results as Marry Me Chicken.
It’s a title that promises more than just a meal; it hints at a transformative culinary experience, a dish so delectably perfect it could inspire a lifelong commitment. But is it mere hyperbole, or does this creamy, sun-drenched tomato and chicken skillet truly possess such persuasive power? Let’s delve into the story, the flavor, and the magic behind the phenomenon that is Marry Me Chicken.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a wildly popular creamy skillet chicken dish known for its incredibly flavorful and luxurious sauce. The name comes from the playful anecdote that it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! It features pan-seared chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, paprika
Aromatics: 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
Liquid: 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/chicken broth for a lighter version)
Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Spice: 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish
Cooking Fat: 1 tbsp olive oil (often from the sun-dried tomato jar)
Instructions
Prep Work:
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This ensures a perfect sear.
Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and grate the Parmesan cheese.
Make the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then add the garlic and dried oregano. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Do not boil.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken
Pasta: Fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle are classic choices to soak up the sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a fantastic, comforting base.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice works well.
Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple fresh salad to cut through the richness.
Pro Tips
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming it.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
Taste and Season: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating can cause the sauce to separate.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with chicken broth or use half-and-half.
Chicken thighs can be used for a more flavorful and juicy result.
Add a handful of spinach to the sauce at the end for a boost of greens.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
Calories: ~550
Fat: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Protein: ~45g
Note: Nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on specific ingredients used (e.g., type of cream, amount of oil).