Discover the irresistible Marry Me Chicken recipe—a dish so delicious it might just prompt a proposal! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this creamy chicken dish is perfect for any special occasion.
A Creamy and Flavorful Chicken Dish That’s Sure to Impress
You may have heard the saying that one way to win someone’s heart is through their stomach. Well, this dish might just make someone fall head over heels. Introducing “Marry Me Chicken,” a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and savory herbs that create a meal so delicious, it might just prompt a marriage proposal! This recipe has been gaining popularity for its rich flavors and easy preparation, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients for Four People
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained, and chopped
- 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise, 1 lb total
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour mix
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (use oil from the sundried tomatoes)
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed
- 1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (3 tablespoons)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, adjust to your taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Directions
- Prep the chicken: Begin by pounding the halved chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). Season them with salt and black pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use oil from the sundried tomatoes) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced shallot and garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and then add the cream cheese, chicken broth, half-and-half, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious dish stores well and can be just as tasty the next day.
- Refrigeration: Place the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the dish by allowing the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy this chicken dish anytime, making it a convenient and delicious option for meal prep.
Variations
- Mushroom Addition: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the shallots and garlic for an earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Different Greens: Substitute baby spinach with kale or arugula for a different twist on the recipe.
- Cheese Variations: Try using different cheeses, like mozzarella or Asiago for a unique flavor profile.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley instead of oregano to customize the dish.
- Protein Swap: This recipe can also be made with boneless, skinless thighs or pork chops if you prefer different proteins.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve this chicken recipe over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti for a hearty meal.
- Rice: Pair it with steamed rice or a pilaf for a simple, satisfying dish.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect companion to the rich sauce.
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- Bread: A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette is great for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Tender Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a little more half-and-half or a touch of butter.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of this dish. Don’t skip the oregano!
- Sear Properly: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Serving: This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Rich in Protein: Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein.
- Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, sundried tomatoes, and baby spinach creates a rich and savory flavor profile.
- Comfort Food: This dish is comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy meal at home.
- Impressive: Despite being easy to make, it looks and tastes like a gourmet dish.
- Versatile: It can be paired with a variety of sides, making it a flexible addition to any meal plan.
Nutritional Details (Per Serving)
Important Things About This Recipe
- Versatility: This Chicken can be served with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults enjoy this dish.
- Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Occasions: Iideal for date nights, special occasions, or as a comforting weeknight dinner.
- Easy to Make: Despite its fancy name, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.
More Chicken Breast Recipes
- Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Kabobs with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
- Grilled Chicken Tacos with Lettuce
- Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Zucchini
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Discover the irresistible Marry Me Chicken recipe—a dish so delicious it might just prompt a proposal! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this creamy chicken dish is perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained, and chopped
- 2 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise, 1 lb total-boneless
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour mix
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (use oil from the sundried tomatoes)
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- 4 cups baby spinach, packed
- 1 1/2 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (3 tablespoons)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons half-and-half
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, adjust to your taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Begin by pounding the halved chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). Season them with salt and black pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess.chicken
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use oil from the sundried tomatoes) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced shallot and garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, and then add the cream cheese, chicken broth, half-and-half, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh baby spinach and high-quality Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For a milder dish, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors only get better!
- Pairing: Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complement the meal.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Faq
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Marry Me Chicken can be made ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over medium heat before serving.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half to reduce the calorie content. However, this may slightly alter the creaminess of the sauce.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?
Absolutely. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to two months.
Alternative for Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as substitutes. If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute. These will provide a different but equally delicious flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you find the sauce too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce and stir until it thickens.
