Marry Me Chicken

by

Indulge in culinary romance with Marry Me Chicken, a dish that promises to captivate taste buds and hearts alike. This creamy delight features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or a family feast, this recipe is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan, grated
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Fresh basil and grated Parmesan, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Begin by combining flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. This flavorful mixture will coat our chicken, adding depth to each bite.
  2. Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts coated in the seasoned flour. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown hue and are cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté minced garlic until fragrant, typically 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, gently deglazing the pan. Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme, stirring until well combined over low to medium heat.
  4. Introduce the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, allowing them to infuse their rich flavor into the sauce. Simmer for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the flavorful sauce for an additional 10 minutes. Ensure the chicken is thoroughly heated, spooning the sauce over it to enhance its succulence.
  6. Serve this culinary masterpiece warm over your preferred accompaniment—be it pasta, rice, or potatoes.
  7. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, adding a final touch of freshness and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 | Calories: Calorie count may vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with different garnishes like chopped parsley, toasted pine nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added visual appeal and flavor.
  2. Pairing Perfection: Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad.
  3. Customize Your Carb: Serve the chicken over your favorite pasta, whether it’s linguine, fettuccine, or penne, for a satisfying meal.
  4. Keep it Light: For a lighter option, serve the chicken alongside steamed greens or a quinoa salad.
  5. Family Feast: Double the recipe and invite friends and family over for a memorable dinner party.
  6. Brunch Bonanza: Transform leftovers into a delicious brunch by shredding the chicken and serving it over toasted ciabatta with a poached egg on top.
  7. Wrap it Up: Use leftover chicken to make wraps or sandwiches for a quick and tasty lunch.
  8. Dip and Enjoy: Turn the creamy sauce into a dip for crusty bread or vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer.
  9. Soup’s On: Add leftover chicken and sauce to a pot of broth along with vegetables and pasta for a comforting soup.
  10. Freezer Friendly: Freeze leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Ensure all air is removed to prevent freezer burn.
  3. Individual Portions: Freeze in individual portions for convenient reheating later.
  4. Labeling: Don’t forget to label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
  5. Thawing: Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
  6. Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying out.
  7. Sauce Savvy: If the sauce separates upon reheating, whisk in a little extra cream or broth to bring it back together.
  8. Don’t Refreeze: Once thawed, do not refreeze the chicken to maintain quality.
  9. Meal Prep: Consider prepping components of the dish ahead of time for quicker assembly on busy days.
  10. Freshen Up: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce if needed.

Variations:

  1. Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, artichoke hearts, and capers to the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  2. Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat by adding extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  3. Creamy Mushroom: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the sauce for an earthy flavor.
  4. Citrus Burst: Squeeze in some lemon juice or zest to brighten up the dish.
  5. Herbaceous Delight: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or tarragon for a fresh twist.
  6. Cheese Lover’s Dream: Swap Parmesan for a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, and Gruyère for a gooey, cheesy delight.
  7. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
  8. Coconut Curry: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and add curry powder for a fragrant, coconut curry variation.
  9. Tex-Mex Fusion: Add black beans, corn, and Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist.
  10. Asian Influence: Infuse the sauce with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
  11. BBQ Bliss: Swap the creamy sauce for barbecue sauce and top with crispy bacon for a smoky, barbecue twist.
  12. Pesto Paradise: Stir in homemade or store-bought pesto for a vibrant burst of flavor.
  13. Cajun Craze: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and serve over creamy grits for a Southern-inspired dish.
  14. Apple Cider Glaze: Simmer chicken in a sauce made from apple cider, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy twist.
  15. Truffle Tremor: Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated truffle cheese for a luxurious touch.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
    • While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quicker cooking, you can certainly use bone-in chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  2. I’m lactose intolerant. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
    • Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative of your choice for a lactose-free version of this dish.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the cooked chicken. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken together until heated through.
  4. What can I do with leftovers?
    • Leftover Marry Me Chicken can be used in wraps, sandwiches, salads, or even repurposed into soups or casseroles.
  5. Can I omit the sun-dried tomatoes?
    • If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them from the recipe. However, they do add a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
  6. How can I make the sauce thicker?
    • To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it for longer or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to achieve your desired consistency.

Elevate your dining experience with Marry Me Chicken, a symphony of flavors that promises to enchant palates and foster moments of culinary delight. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple weekday meal, this recipe is your ticket to gastronomic bliss. Prepare to fall in love with every savory bite!