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What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken” is a delicious chicken-based dish that has become popular in recent years. This dish is made by pan-searing chicken breasts until browned and baked in a creamy sauce made of garlic, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The phrase “Marry Me Chicken” is claimed to have come from the notion that the dish’s tempting flavor might persuade anyone to make a marriage proposal to the person who prepared it for them. The dish’s common serving on holidays like Valentine’s Day or wedding anniversaries, which makes it a special and romantic supper to enjoy with a loved one, is also thought to be the source of the dish’s name.
Where Marry Me Chicken is Originated?
The origin of “Marry Me Chicken” is unclear. But there are different stories and claims about its creation. However, now it is a modern American dish that has become popular through social media and food blogs. Some food bloggers and recipe creators claim to have invented this dish themselves. Others have attributed its creation to a restaurant or chef. However, there is no solid evidence to support these claims.
This dish became popular in the late 2000s and early 2010s, especially on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. Its name and romantic connotations have contributed to its popularity among couples and those looking for a special meal to share with a loved one. Today, “Marry Me Chicken” is a popular and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and appetites. Its delicious taste and romantic name make it a favorite among home cooks and foodies.
The Ingredients of Marry Me Chicken
The only ingredients needed to make “Marry Me Chicken” are a few simple ingredients. Together they create a rich and delicious dish.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
This is the main source of protein in this recipe. Chicken breast is a lean and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
Salt and Pepper
These are added to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Olive Oil
This is used to fry the chicken and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Garlic
Adding this gives a sharp and delicious taste to the sauce.
Chicken Broth
This is used to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Heavy cream
This is the main ingredient in the cream sauce that coats the chicken.
Sun Dried Tomatoes
These add a sweet and savory flavor to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese
This adds a nutty and salty flavor to the sauce and helps thicken it.
Basil
These add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Fresh parsley (optional)
This can be used as a garnish to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
How select the best quality ingredients
Below are some important tips and recommendations for choosing the best quality ingredients for this recipe.
Chicken
Choose organic, free-range, or pasture-raised chicken, as using high-quality chicken breasts with no visible fat, bone, or cartilage gives better flavor and texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes
Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil rather than dried as they tend to be more flavorful and plump.
Garlic
Instead of using pre-minced garlic or garlic powder, use unblemished fresh garlic cloves. Because, they may not taste the same as fresh garlic.
Heavy Cream
Use a high quality heavy cream with at least 35% fat as it helps create a richer and creamier sauce.
Parmesan Cheese
By using your own grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, the flavor is fresh and intense.
Fresh Herbs
Using fresh herbs such as chives, parsley or basil will add a bright, herbal flavor.
Salt and Pepper
Using high-quality salt and freshly ground pepper to season the chicken and sauce will enhance the overall flavor of this dish.
Variations and modifications:
You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts. Low fat milk can be used instead of heavy cream. This is also a very good option in terms of health. You can add various herbs and spices to the sauce, such as thyme or rosemary. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free chicken broth and make sure the Parmesan cheese is also gluten-free. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. If you like a spicy sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Value of Marry Me Chicken
Calories
The Marry Me Chicken recipe ranges from 400 to 800 calories. It varies according to the portion size of the recipe.
Fat
This recipe is relatively high in fat, with an average serving containing 30 to 50 grams of fat. This also varies by recipe and portion size. Most of the fat is provided by the butter and cream used in the sauce.
Protein
Chicken is a good source of protein, and Marry Me Chicken can contain anywhere from 30 to 50 grams of protein, depending on the recipe and portion size.
Carbohydrates
The diet is relatively low in carbohydrates, with a typical serving containing 10 to 20 grams of carbohydrates depending on the recipe and portion size. Dairy products used in sauces provide many of these carbohydrates.
Sodium
The salt used in the sauce and the Parmesan cheese add salt to this recipe, and the average serving contains 800 to 1,500 milligrams of sodium.
Marry Me Chicken may be a tasty and satisfying dish, but I can assure you that it is not particularly nutritious. It is high in calories and fat, making it suitable for those concerned about dietary restrictions or weight management. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.
Due to the containing of butter, cream and Parmesan cheese, people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should avoid this dish. People with high blood pressure or heart disease should also be careful because of the high sodium content. Those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet may find this dish suitable, but it’s best to check the nutrition information on the recipe to ensure it fits their specific dietary needs.
Sides and Accompaniments for Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Pasta
Marry Me Chicken can be served with a pasta dish such as linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti. The creamy sauce goes well with the noodles and helps balance the richness of the dish. You can add steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to the pasta for extra nutrients and flavor.
Rice
You can supply Marry Me Chicken with a side of brown, jasmine, or basmati rice. The rice can help the chicken’s rich sauce soak in and serve as a neutral base. To give the rice some freshness, you may also mix in some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro.
Vegetables
Several vegetables, such as roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, go well with Marry Me Chicken. The roasted or steamed vegetables can provide some color and texture to the platter as well as serve as a pleasant counterpoint to the creamy chicken.
Salad
A straightforward green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can be served with Marry Me Chicken. The salad can help to cut through the richness of the dish and provide some fresh, crisp flavors.
Beverage Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken
Wine
A full-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay or Viognier, can be served with creamy chicken. Light red wines such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais are also ideal for this. If you prefer something brighter, dry Prosecco or Champagne can provide a nice contrast with the rich flavors of the dish.
Beer: A light lager or pilsner would also go well to balance the richness of the dish. A Belgian-style saison or farmhouse ale can also work well with the herbs and spices in the dish.
Non-alcoholic options: If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime can provide refreshing bubbles. Fruit iced tea or lemonade can also complement the flavors of the dish.
Conclusion
If you’ve never tried making Marry Me Chicken before, why wait any longer? It’s a delicious and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in, and this is a very simple and easy-to-make recipe.
I’d be interested to know how Marry Me Chicken worked out once you’ve cooked it. Have you altered the recipe in any way? With what did you serve it? How did the tastes and textures taste to you? Feel free to share your thoughts and feedback in the section below. I’m always interested in hearing from readers and finding out about your culinary adventures!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Grinded Herbs
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup Onion
- 4 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 4 Sun Dried Tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flake (optional)
- 1.2 cup Flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven.
- Cut chicken breast into half perpendicular.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of grinded herbs, salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper.
- Take a tray and sread flour, rest of the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and some salt.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add 1 1/2 tbsp butter also.
- Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer to a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the rest of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and onion to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
- Pour in chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
