Marry Me Chicken

This hearty Marry Me Chicken has been my go-to dish for special dinners at home. The juicy chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sundried tomatoes has earned its funny name for good reason – it's supposedly so delicious that serving it might lead to a marriage proposal!

I first made this recipe when trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit. Three years later, it's still requested every time they come over, and has become our celebration dinner for anniversaries and promotions.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced into thin cutlets ensure quick cooking and maximum tenderness
• All purpose flour: creates a perfect light coating that helps the sauce cling to each piece
• Butter and olive oil: combination provides the ideal fat blend for both flavor and proper cooking temperature
• Fresh minced garlic: forms the aromatic foundation of the sauce
• Chicken stock: deglazes the pan and captures all the browned bits of flavor
• Heavy cream: provides the luxurious texture that makes this dish irresistible
• Parmesan cheese: adds savory depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally
• Chili flakes: bring gentle heat that cuts through the richness
• Dried herbs: like oregano and thyme add traditional Italian flavor notes
• Sundried tomatoes: contribute sweet concentrated tomato flavor and beautiful color contrast
• Fresh basil leaves: finish the dish with bright herbaceous notes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Season chicken cutlets thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each piece in flour making sure to coat completely but shake off excess to prevent the coating from becoming gummy. The thin cutlets will cook quickly and remain tender while the light flour coating will help thicken our sauce.

Create the Flavor Base:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture is gently bubbling. The combination gives you the flavor of butter with the higher smoke point of olive oil. Brown chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary as overcrowding will steam rather than brown the meat. Set chicken aside on a covered plate to keep warm.

Build the Sauce:

Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These caramelized pieces dissolve into the sauce creating deep umami flavors throughout.

Create the Creamy Texture:

Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in heavy cream along with grated parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to gently simmer as the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Season with chili flakes oregano and thyme stirring to distribute the flavors evenly.

Finish the Dish:

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes which bring bursts of intense flavor. Return the chicken to the pan nestling the pieces into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so the chicken can absorb some sauce while the sauce continues to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil just before serving.

My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the sundried tomatoes rehydrate slightly in the cream sauce, softening while still maintaining their intense flavor. My husband claims this dish is what sealed the deal for him during our dating years, hence why I believe the name is absolutely fitting!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Marry Me Chicken actually develops even more flavor when made a day ahead. Prepare the entire dish then refrigerate in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it will thicken considerably when chilled. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making this perfect for meal prep or preparing before guests arrive. Enjoy within 3 days for best quality.

Serving Suggestions

While this chicken is traditionally served over pasta, I find it equally delicious over creamy polenta which soaks up the sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted asparagus and a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens provide a perfect contrast to the rich sauce. For entertaining, serve it in a beautiful shallow bowl with crusty bread on the side for sauce-mopping.

Common Substitutions

If youre watching calories, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken stock and a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry though the sauce wont be quite as rich. Chicken thighs work beautifully in place of breast meat and often stay juicier, just adjust cooking time accordingly. For a dairy-free version, consider using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan though the flavor profile will shift slightly toward the tropical.

Origin Story

This modern Italian-American dish gained popularity through food blogs and social media around 2015. While no one claims to be the original creator, its flavors are reminiscent of traditional Tuscan chicken dishes that combine cream, tomatoes, and herbs. The playful name caught on quickly, with many home cooks reporting their own "Marry Me" stories after preparing it for significant others. The combination of accessible ingredients with impressive results makes it perfect for date nights and special occasions.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this dish. Keep in mind that thighs typically require longer cooking time than breasts. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

→ What can I serve with this chicken dish?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta (fettuccine or linguine work particularly well), rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce, as it will thicken considerably when chilled. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

For best results, stick with heavy cream (or double cream in the UK) as specified in the recipe. Half-and-half or single cream won't thicken properly. If you're looking for a lighter option, you could try full-fat coconut milk, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

→ How can I make this dish spicier or milder?

To increase the heat level, simply add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes entirely. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to individual servings for those who prefer more heat.

→ Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?

While pre-grated parmesan is convenient, freshly grated parmesan from a block will melt better in the sauce and provide more flavor. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy rather than smooth and creamy.