Introduction
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of the Marry Me Chicken dish, a romantic yet simple meal that’s sure to impress. Featuring succulent chicken breasts nestled in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, tomatoes, and a hint of thyme, this dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. With straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a meal that’s both delicious and memorable.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Marry Me Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– A few sprigs of thyme
– 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, drained thoroughly
– Salt to taste
For the Chicken:
– 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Garlic powder
– Paprika (optional)
– 1 tablespoon flour (optional)
– Butter or olive oil for pan-frying
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
– If desired, lightly coat the chicken with flour for a lightly breaded texture.
2. Cook the Chicken:
– Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce Base:
– In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
– Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
4. Add Liquids and Herbs:
– Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and whisk to combine.
– Add 1 cup of chicken broth and a few sprigs of thyme.
– Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Chicken:
– Remove the thyme sprigs from the sauce.
– Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes.
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
– Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
6. Final Touches:
– Sprinkle fresh thyme, parsley, or basil over the top for garnish.
– Serve the chicken with spoonfuls of sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, accompanied by a side salad.
Notes
– Thinly sliced garlic melts into the sauce, providing a tender texture.
– Regular tomato paste works well; double-concentrated is optional.
– Petite diced tomatoes are preferred for their size and texture.
– Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your chicken broth.
– If you have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken in it for a juicy and golden result. Alternatively, pan-fry the chicken as described above.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
– Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
– If desired, lightly coat the chicken with flour for a lightly breaded texture.
Cook the Chicken
– Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
– Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base
– In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
– Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
Add Liquids and Herbs
– Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and whisk to combine.
– Add 1 cup of chicken broth and a few sprigs of thyme.
– Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Chicken
– Remove the thyme sprigs from the sauce.
– Stir in the drained petite diced tomatoes.
– Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
– Spoon some sauce over the chicken.
Final Touches
– Sprinkle fresh thyme, parsley, or basil over the top for garnish.
– Serve the chicken with spoonfuls of sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, accompanied by a side salad.
Notes
Garlic
– Thinly sliced garlic melts into the sauce, providing a tender texture.
Tomato Paste
– Regular tomato paste works well; double-concentrated is optional.
Tomatoes
– Petite diced tomatoes are preferred for their size and texture.
Salt
– Adjust the salt based on the saltiness of your chicken broth.
Chicken Cooking Method
– If you have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken in it for a juicy and golden result. Alternatively, pan-fry the chicken as described above.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts or tenderloins evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for added flavor. Optionally, you can lightly coat the chicken with flour for a crispier texture when cooked.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat before adding the seasoned chicken. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through, then remove it from the skillet to rest.
Preparing the Sauce Base
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium-low heat. Sauté thinly sliced garlic until fragrant, then stir in tomato paste to enhance the base flavor.
Adding Liquids and Herbs
Introduce heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking until well incorporated. Add a few sprigs of thyme and simmer the mixture until it thickens, achieving a sauce consistency that coats a spoon.
Incorporating Tomatoes and Chicken
After simmering, remove the thyme sprigs from the sauce and stir in drained petite diced tomatoes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce, allowing it to absorb flavor.
Final Touches
For garnish, sprinkle fresh thyme, parsley, or basil on top of the chicken and sauce. Serve the dish over a base of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, pairing it with a side salad.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative, but keep in mind that the consistency and richness may vary.
How can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and reheated when ready to serve. Just remember to adjust the thickness with extra broth or cream if needed.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like eggplant or cauliflower and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that is sure to impress. The creamy, garlicky sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a comforting dish that can easily become a favorite in your home. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this meal is both impressive and satisfying.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Herb-Infused Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Swap the tomatoes for sliced mushrooms, and add a mixture of oregano and rosemary for a delicious herb-infused version of the dish.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
Stir in fresh spinach and canned artichoke hearts into the sauce for a creamy, indulgent twist that brings a touch of the classic dip to the table.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and pesto into the sauce for a vibrant, flavorful variation that pairs well with pasta.
Spicy Chipotle Cream Chicken
Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the cream mixture for a smoky, spicy kick that elevates the dish.
Cheesy Alfredo Chicken
Stir in grated Parmesan or mozzarella into the sauce to create a cheesy version that’s rich and decadent, perfect for cheese lovers.
Vegetable Medley Chicken Bake
Add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, to the skillet for a complete, colorful one-pan meal that’s packed with nutrients.
