Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, indulgent, and flavorful dish that has taken social media and food blogs by storm. The dish features juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, with a tangy and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible. The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from its reputation for being so delicious that it could inspire a proposal! Whether for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together comforting ingredients with luxurious flavors in a single plate.
The History of Ingredients
While the exact origins of Marry Me Chicken are unclear, it likely grew out of the trend of combining creamy sauces with sun-dried tomatoes, which have long been popular in Mediterranean and Italian-inspired cuisines. Sun-dried tomatoes are often paired with rich, creamy sauces to provide a balance of flavors, adding an intense, slightly sweet and savory depth to the dish. The creamy base typically consists of heavy cream or cream cheese, creating a velvety sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. The combination of these ingredients has become a staple in comfort food dishes, particularly in American home cooking.
Breakdown of Ingredients
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used, providing a tender and juicy protein base for the dish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes, often packed in oil, are packed with concentrated flavor. They lend a tangy, slightly sweet, and umami-rich profile to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The creamy base of the sauce, creating a luxurious texture that coats the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
- Garlic: A key aromatic component, garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: This adds richness and a salty, nutty flavor to the cream sauce, enhancing its overall depth.
- Herbs: Commonly, fresh basil or Italian seasoning is used to complement the sun-dried tomatoes, offering a fragrant and herbaceous touch.
- Olive Oil: Often used for sautéing the chicken and garlic, olive oil helps bring out the flavors of the dish.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed or dry, rehydrated)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, if using, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately with a side of your choice—such as pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken:
- Chicken Tenderness: For extra tender chicken, you can lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and stay juicy.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, make sure to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate them before chopping.
- Low and Slow Cream: Be sure to cook the cream over medium heat and avoid boiling it too rapidly, as this could cause it to separate or curdle.
- Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a tangier sauce, you can add a small splash of white wine or lemon juice to the cream sauce.
Variations and Customizations:
- Add Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce for some extra greens and color. Spinach wilts quickly and pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Add Mushrooms: For an earthy addition, sauté some mushrooms along with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a more flavorful, juicy cut of chicken.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat or use a spicy sun-dried tomato variety.
- Lemon Zest: Add a little lemon zest to the sauce for a fresh citrusy note that brightens the richness of the cream.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
While Marry Me Chicken is an indulgent dish, it can be made healthier by making a few substitutions. Here are some ways to reduce calories or make the dish lighter:
- Lean Chicken: Choose chicken breasts or lean cuts to reduce fat content.
- Cream Alternatives: Use half-and-half, coconut milk, or a light cream alternative to reduce the fat and calorie content of the sauce.
- Cheese: Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a lower-fat version to cut down on saturated fat.
- Vegetables: Adding more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even cauliflower rice can increase the fiber and nutritional value of the dish.
Nutritional information (for one serving with chicken breast and the cream sauce):
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal (depending on portions and ingredients)
- Protein: 40-45g
- Carbohydrates: 5-8g (mainly from the cream and sun-dried tomatoes)
- Fat: 35-40g (largely from the cream and olive oil)
- Fiber: 1-2g (from the sun-dried tomatoes and any added veggies)
FAQ
- Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Reheat gently on the stove before serving. However, the sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you might need to add a little extra cream or broth when reheating to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
- Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken? It’s not recommended to freeze the sauce as it may separate upon thawing. However, the chicken itself can be frozen separately and reheated with the sauce later for convenience.
- Can I use a different type of cream? You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a lower-calorie version, consider using a light cream or a non-dairy milk (like coconut milk), although this may change the flavor profile.
- What sides go best with Marry Me Chicken? Marry Me Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, also make a great choice for a light and nutritious side.
- Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, by substituting the cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives (such as coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan), you can make a dairy-free version of Marry Me Chicken.
Marry Me Chicken (Chicken in a Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce)
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, indulgent, and flavorful dish that has taken social media and food blogs by storm. The dish features juicy chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, with a tangy and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible. The name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from its reputation for being so delicious that it could inspire a proposal! Whether for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings together comforting ingredients with luxurious flavors in a single plate.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 Tablespoon Butter
- 2 teaspoon Garlic minced
- 3 Tablespoon Flour
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- 3/4 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan grated
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning dried
- Fresh Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts thinner to help them cook evenly. You can even pound the chicken thinner using a mallet if needed.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes on both sides until the chicken is mostly cooked through. It will continue to fully cook later.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, and set it aside while you make the sauce.
- Return to the same skillet, and add the butter. Once it is melted, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Add in the flour and stir to make a paste.
- Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes and Italian Seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes for it to thicken.
- Return the chicken back to skillet and layer on top of the sauce.
- Turn the heat to medium low, and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve warm over pasta or rice.