Indulge in the delightful flavors of Marry Me Chicken, a dish that not only pleases the palate but also sets the stage for romance. This creamy sun-dried tomato chicken recipe is perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to impress your significant other. With its rich and savory sauce, it’s no wonder this meal has earned its reputation as a potential proposal starter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous romantic dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy parmesan creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that fits various dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: With four servings, Marry Me Chicken is great for couples or small gatherings.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the sauce and fresh parsley garnish make this dish visually appealing, sure to impress any guest.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and helps develop flavors while searing the chicken.
- Tongs: These are perfect for flipping chicken breasts without losing juices or risking burns.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures precision when chopping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
For Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well.
- Add parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil; stir until melted and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet to coat them in the creamy sauce.
- Allow to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 6: Serve
- Transfer chicken to a serving plate, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this blissful dish!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Serving Marry Me Chicken can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. Here are some delightful ways to present this delicious dish.
Pair with Pasta
- Fettuccine Alfredo: Creamy fettuccine pairs well with the flavors of the sauce.
- Penne Arrabbiata: The spicy kick complements the creamy chicken nicely.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and parmesan create a classic pairing.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella add brightness to the meal.
Include Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil enhances the dish.
- Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans in garlic offer a crunchy contrast.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken
To make sure your Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly, consider these tips for an unforgettable meal.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality chicken enhance flavor significantly.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the cream with chicken broth.
- Sear Properly: Achieving a golden crust on the chicken adds depth to the dish.
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling the sauce after adding cream to maintain a smooth texture.
- Garnish Thoughtfully: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up both flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken
Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Marry Me Chicken experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this dish beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for soaking up creamy sauce.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto provides a rich base that pairs wonderfully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes add comfort and absorb flavors nicely.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli gives a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa mix adds texture and nutrition to your plate.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs provide satisfying crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Marry Me Chicken, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of this delightful dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken can result in bland flavors. Always sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides before cooking.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long leads to dry meat. Aim for a golden brown color and a cooking time of 6-7 minutes per side.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients will diminish the dish’s taste. Opt for fresh garlic, herbs, and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes.
- Rushing the sauce preparation: Allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken enhances its richness. Don’t rush this step; let it develop its flavors fully.
- Ignoring garnish: A simple garnish like fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Don’t skip this crucial step as it elevates presentation.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer without losing quality.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered with foil for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until hot, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a delicious sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for impressing your loved one.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the chicken just before serving for best results.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce and complete your meal.
Is Marry Me Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.
Can I customize Marry Me Chicken?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This recipe can easily be adapted with your favorite ingredients or sides. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or just craving comfort food, give this recipe a try—it’s sure to impress!
Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves four
Description
Indulge in the romantic allure of Marry Me Chicken, an exquisite dish that perfectly blends creamy sun-dried tomatoes with tender chicken breasts. This delectable recipe is designed to impress, making it ideal for date nights or special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful meal that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also sets the stage for unforgettable moments with your loved one. Serve it over pasta or alongside fresh vegetables for a complete dining experience that’s visually stunning and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil until melted and slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet to coat in sauce; simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (Approximately 150g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
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