Marry Me Chicken” is a wildly popular dish that gained significant traction online for its supposed ability to inspire marriage proposals not because of any actual magical properties, but simply because it’s that delicious! It’s a creamy, flavourful, and relatively quick one-pan chicken dish that features tender chicken breasts (or thighs) in a rich sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs.
The dish’s appeal lies in its comforting nature, complex yet harmonious flavours, and its impressive presentation, making it suitable for both a weeknight meal and a special occasion. While its exact origin is debated, a similar “Engagement Chicken” (a roast chicken with lemon and herbs) has existed for decades, and “Marry Me Chicken” is often attributed to the editorial staff at Delish, who were testing a Sicilian chicken skillet recipe when one of them famously exclaimed, “I’d marry you for that chicken!
Key Components of “Marry Me Chicken”:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are most common, often pounded thin into cutlets for quicker, even cooking. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result, though they may take slightly longer to cook.
- The Creamy Sauce: This is the heart of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Provides the luscious, rich base. Avoid lighter creams or half-and-half if you want the traditional richness.
- Chicken Broth/Stock: Adds savoury depth and helps achieve the right sauce consistency.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A crucial ingredient! They provide a concentrated, tangy, and slightly sweet burst of flavour that’s distinctive to this dish. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred, and often some of their infused oil is used for cooking.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and umami richness, also contributing to the sauce’s thickness. Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano is always recommended for superior flavour and melt.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavour and adds depth.
- Aromatics & Herbs:
- Garlic: A generous amount of minced or thinly sliced garlic is essential for flavour.
- Dried Herbs: Dried oregano and/or thyme are commonly used. Italian seasoning is also a great choice.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch can add a subtle warmth and gentle kick, balancing the richness.
- Fresh Basil: Added at the end, fresh basil provides a pop of colour and a fresh, aromatic finish.
Recipe: Classic “Marry Me Chicken”
This recipe aims for the classic, rich, and creamy version that has made the dish so famous.
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g / 1.3 lbs total), halved horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets, or pounded to ½-inch thickness
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for coating)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil from the sun-dried tomato jar (or extra olive oil)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and roughly chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade), plus more for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- If coating, dredge each chicken cutlet lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps create a golden crust and slightly thickens the sauce.
- Sear Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or a heavy-bottomed pan works well) over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the chicken cutlets (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which steams the chicken).
- Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through. They will finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Build the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sun-dried tomato oil (or extra olive oil if not using jarred sun-dried tomatoes) to the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring continuously, until it slightly darkens in colour.
- Simmer and Thicken Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking to combine everything smoothly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Allow them to simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F).
- Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve “Marry Me Chicken” immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta (like linguine or fettuccine), rice, or a simple side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily. Sear them until golden, then let them finish cooking gently in the sauce.
- Fresh Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference in the sauce’s flavour and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- Adjust Spiciness: If you’re sensitive to heat, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
- Make Ahead: While best fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Enjoy this incredibly flavourful and comforting dish it just might win some hearts!