How to Make Marry Me Chicken: The Irresistible 30-Minute Dinner
Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce makes plain chicken feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
Marry Me Chicken: The Creamy Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves
Few recipes achieve true internet stardom, but Marry Me Chicken has done just that—winning hearts (and taste buds) through its creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and easy, irresistible flavor. Packed with simple ingredients found in most pantries, this dish promises a home-cooked meal so good, some say it could even inspire a proposal. Whether you need a weeknight crowd-pleaser or a romantic weekend treat, you’ve found your answer with this viral sensation.
Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken?
The playful name comes from the legend that this chicken is so good, it might just prompt a marriage proposal! Food editors apparently couldn’t stop raving when tasting it, joking that it was so delicious they’d marry it. This catchy title stuck around, and soon, the recipe became a favorite for effortless date nights and family dinners alike.
What Makes Marry Me Chicken So Irresistible?
- Creamy Sauce: Made with heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for the ideal rich yet balanced texture.
- Pan-Seared Chicken: Golden brown chicken breasts seasoned and cooked to perfection.
- Quick & One-Pan: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup required.
- Flexible Pairings: Ideal with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even rustic bread.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe. Substitutions are possible, but for best results, stick to these essentials.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (9-10 oz. each)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 Tbsp. salted butter, divided
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, divided
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2/3 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Starting from the thickest end, slice each breast horizontally in half to yield 8 thin cutlets. Season each cutlet on both sides with salt and pepper. - Dredge in Flour:
Spread the flour on a shallow plate. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour, shaking off extra, and set aside. - Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium-high, add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil. When the butter melts and stops foaming, add half the cutlets; cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate. Repeat with another 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon oil, and the other four cutlets. (Do not clean the pan unless flour is burning.) Lower the heat to medium-low. - Build the Sauce Base:
Add the last 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the onion; sauté 2 minutes till translucent. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste; cook about 1 minute until fragrant and paste darkens. - Deglaze and Simmer:
Pour in the white wine, scraping up browned bits. Reduce wine by half (about 2 minutes). Add chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning; bring to a simmer. - Return Chicken to Sauce:
Add cutlets (and juices) to sauce. Simmer 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to thicken. - Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Simmer another 5 minutes, ensuring the chicken becomes extra tender and the sauce thickens further. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more parmesan. Serve immediately alongside mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or crusty bread.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken
- Pasta: Short shapes like penne or shells soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Mashed Potatoes: Classic comfort food pairing.
- Garlic Bread: Use the bread to mop up every drop of sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a balanced meal, try with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Tips and Variations for Marry Me Chicken
- Use Fresh Chicken: Thinly sliced cutlets cook fast and evenly.
- Get a Good Sear: Don’t overcrowd the pan; brown in two batches if necessary to ensure caramelization.
- Customize Heat: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Wine Substitute: Chicken broth can be used in place of wine for an alcohol-free version.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Coconut milk and nutritional yeast can, with some loss of classic flavor, stand in for cream and parmesan.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. 600 | 40g | 16g | 40g | 580mg |
Approximate values; exact amounts will vary depending on side dishes and ingredient brands.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Leftovers keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Ideally, eat fresh, but you can freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
What others are reading
The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken’s Popularity
While chicken in cream sauce is classic Italian comfort food, Marry Me Chicken exploded in popularity thanks to viral TikTok and Instagram posts. The social media love is justified: it’s easy enough for home cooks of any skill level, yet decadent, like something from a top Italian restaurant. Unlike some viral trends, this one delivers real flavor with simple steps, making it a new go-to in many households.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and bring an even juicier result. Adjust cooking time as needed—thighs may take a bit longer to become fully tender.
Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
Not as written (it calls for flour to dredge the chicken), but you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour or rice flour for a gluten-free version.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marry Me Chicken reheats well, though the sauce may thicken. For best results, reheat slowly and whisk in a little broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
What kind of wine should I use?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best, but even a splash of chicken broth will do in a pinch.
Why are sun-dried tomatoes important?
They provide a deep, sweet-tangy flavor that contrasts and balances the rich, creamy sauce perfectly—one of the signature elements of Marry Me Chicken.
Creative Twists: Marry Me Chicken Pasta and More
- Turn it into Pasta: Slice the chicken, toss with cooked pasta shells, and stir everything together to create an incredible one-dish meal.
- Add Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brings a fresh, herbal note. Sprinkle just before serving for best effect.
- Try with Salmon: The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce also pairs beautifully with seared salmon fillets.
- Double the Sauce: Make extra sauce to pour over roasted veggies or garlic bread.
What Home Cooks Say About Marry Me Chicken
- “It tasted like something from a high-end restaurant and took less than 30 minutes!”
- “The creamy sauce is absolutely addictive—we served it over pasta and even the kids asked for seconds.”
- “Easy, elegant, and definitely entering our weeknight rotation.”
Final Thoughts
If you need a dinner that delivers big on both flavor and simplicity, Marry Me Chicken is it. Creamy sauces, lightly crisp chicken, and the savory-sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes come together for an unforgettable meal in under 30 minutes. It’s no wonder this dish has prompted countless home cooks to say, “I do”—to making it again and again!
References
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