Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Simple & Delicious

You’re about to discover a dish so divine, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals! The Marry Me Chicken Recipe has taken the internet by storm, becoming The New York Times’ most popular recipe of 2023.

This creamy, juicy, and flavorful chicken dinner is surprisingly simple to make. With tender chicken breasts, a rich sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, it’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.

Ready to impress your loved ones? This recipe can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick yet impressive meal.

Key Takeaways

• Simple to make with minimal ingredients
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners
• Features tender chicken breasts and a creamy sauce
• Includes sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs for added flavor

The Irresistible Charm of Marry Me Chicken

“Marry Me Chicken” is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce. This recipe has taken the culinary world by storm, and its popularity can be attributed to its delectable taste and the romantic connotation of its name.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”

The origin story of “Marry Me Chicken” is as fascinating as the dish itself. Initially known as “Sicilian Chicken Skillet” when it was created in 2016 by Delish, the recipe got its now-famous name from a spontaneous reaction during a video shoot. A videographer exclaimed, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” after tasting it, and the name stuck. This anecdote highlights the dish‘s irresistible charm and proposal-worthy deliciousness.

What Makes This Dish Special

So, what makes “Marry Me Chicken” so special? The secret lies in the combination of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and parmesan that creates a rich, flavorful sauce. This recipe elevates ordinary chicken breasts into something extraordinary through simple cooking techniques, making it a standout in the world of chicken dishes.

The Perfect Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Creating the perfect Marry Me Chicken dish requires a blend of quality ingredients and precise cooking techniques. To start, you’ll need to gather the necessary components that make this dish so flavorful and rich.

Required Ingredients

For the Marry Me Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper for seasoning
• All-purpose flour for dredging
• Olive oil and unsalted butter for sautéing
• Minced garlic cloves for added depth
• Chicken stock and heavy cream to create a rich sauce
• Grated parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty flavor
• Chili flakes, oregano, and thyme for additional seasoning
• Chopped sundried tomatoes for a burst of tanginess
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the overall flavor profile. For instance, garlic adds a pungency, while parmesan provides a salty richness. You can make some substitutions based on dietary needs, but be aware that this might alter the dish’s signature taste.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To prepare Marry Me Chicken efficiently, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• A large skillet with high sides to accommodate both the chicken and the sauce
• Kitchen tongs and a spatula for handling the chicken
• A cutting board and sharp knife for preparing ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate measurements

A good quality skillet is essential for proper searing, and having high sides helps contain the sauce. Preparing ingredients ahead of time can streamline the cooking process.

Preparing Your Chicken

The key to a mouth-watering Marry Me Chicken lies in how you prepare your chicken. Proper preparation ensures that your dish turns out tender and flavorful.

Selecting and Cutting Chicken Breasts

To start, you need to select high-quality chicken breasts that are even in size to ensure uniform cooking. Place a chicken breast flat on a cutting board, hold one hand flat on top, and use a sharp knife to cut it in half parallel to the board. This technique helps you achieve thin cutlets, about ¼ inch in thickness. If your cutlets are still too thick, use a meat mallet to pound them thinner. This step is crucial for even cooking and tender results.

Seasoning and Dredging Tips

Before dredging, season your chicken with pepper and a pinch of salt. Then, dredge the seasoned chicken in flour on a plate, shaking off any excess. This light coating helps develop a golden crust and thickens the sauce when cooked over heat. Ensure you pat the chicken dry before seasoning to promote even browning.

Creating the Signature Creamy Sauce

Creating the perfect creamy sauce is a crucial step in making Marry Me Chicken truly irresistible. The sauce is what brings all the flavors together, coating the chicken and infusing it with a rich, tangy taste.

Sautéing the Aromatics

Start by sautéing aromatics like garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for the sauce’s flavor. Make sure to cook the garlic for about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned, to avoid any bitterness.

Adding Liquids and Seasonings

Next, add the chicken stock to the skillet, scraping off any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process, known as deglazing, incorporates all the flavorful residues into the sauce. Then, adjust the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes, letting it thicken to your liking.

Incorporating Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan

Finally, season the sauce with chili flakes, thyme, and oregano. Add the sun-dried tomatoes to give the sauce its signature tangy-sweet flavor. Ensure that the parmesan cheese is fully incorporated and melted into the sauce, providing a smooth and creamy texture.

To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, it’s essential to balance the liquids and reduction time. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken stock. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allowing it to simmer for a few more minutes will help it thicken. The key is to taste and adjust the seasonings throughout the cooking process to ensure the best flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Heating olive oil in a large skillet is the initial step in creating this mouth-watering dish. To cook Marry Me Chicken to perfection, follow these detailed steps.

Searing the Chicken to Golden Perfection

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and melt the butter on medium heat. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken onto a plate, cover, and set aside.

Building the Flavorful Sauce

Using the same pan, sauté the aromatics until fragrant. Add liquids and seasonings, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the browned bits. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce.

Finishing the Dish

After making the sauce, put the chicken back in the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

To take your Marry Me Chicken to the next level, consider these expert tips. Mastering this dish requires attention to detail, from preparing the chicken to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

Chicken Thickness and Cooking Time

Ensuring your chicken breasts are of even thickness is crucial for uniform cooking. This prevents overcooking the exterior before the interior reaches a safe temperature. Cooking over moderate heat and using a meat thermometer guarantees your chicken is done at 165°F. Adjust cooking minutes based on the thickness to avoid dryness.

Sauce Consistency Secrets

Achieving the ideal sauce consistency is key. Avoid using half and half or single cream as they won’t thicken the sauce enough. Instead, incorporate parmesan cheese for a richer flavor and thicker texture. For added depth, use some oil from sun-dried tomatoes when sautéing aromatics.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

When it comes to serving Marry Me Chicken, the right side dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. You can serve this delicious chicken dish warm over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal.

Side Dish Recommendations

For a classic comfort food experience, pair Marry Me Chicken with mashed potatoes or a simple bowl of pasta. If you prefer something lighter, side dishes like oven-roasted asparagus or garlic green beans offer a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget to add some crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping in the creamy sauce.

Garnishing for Presentation

To top off your Marry Me Chicken, garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. This simple touch can enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor profile of the dish. Consider plating it attractively for a romantic dinner or family meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Don’t let your Marry Me Chicken go to waste; learn how to store and reheat it effectively. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of water to thin out the sauce as it thickens in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven to preserve the chicken‘s moisture.

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce becoming grainy. You can refresh the dish with additional herbs or red pepper flakes when serving leftovers.

Marry Me Chicken

Print

Serves: 6 Prep Time: 15M Cooking Time: 20M 20M

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
• ½ cup chicken broth, divided
• ½ pound bacon
• 1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup whipping cream
• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Instructions

1- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butterfly chicken breasts by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through.

2- Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, oregano, and thyme; sauté about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3- Add chicken and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.

4- Pour ¼ cup chicken broth into skillet. Transfer skillet to oven and bake about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

5- Meanwhile, cook bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain and chop.

6- Cook angel hair pasta in salted boiling water 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and keep warm.

7- Remove chicken from oven and transfer to a plate; keep warm. Reserve juices in skillet on stovetop.

8- Whisk flour into skillet juices over medium heat. Add remaining chicken broth, Parmesan, and cream; whisk until smooth.

9- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, salt, bacon, and chicken. Heat through.

10- Serve chicken and sauce over pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 518
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 40g

Quick Facts

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 35 min
Servings: 6
Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Easy)