Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: The main protein of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.

Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, adding a subtle fruity flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the sauce.

Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the sauce.

Chicken broth: Enhances the savory flavor of the sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

Red pepper flakes: Provides a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.

Dried oregano: Adds a touch of earthy, herbal flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Contribute a tangy sweetness and chewy texture.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Fresh basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

When searing the chicken breasts, make sure the olive oil is hot enough to create a golden-brown crust. This not only locks in the juices but also adds a rich flavor to the dish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

• chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• garlic, minced - Substitute with garlic powder: Use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable; adjust the quantity to taste.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a similar creamy texture and is a good dairy-free alternative.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino romano has a similar texture and a slightly stronger flavor, making it a good substitute.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat; use sparingly to match the desired spiciness.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme offers a different but complementary herbal flavor.

• sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a similar texture and a sweet, smoky flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor; use in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder flavor and can be used as a direct substitute.

• fresh basil, chopped - Substitute with fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, fresh flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.

• Transfer the Marry Me Chicken to an airtight container. If you have multiple pieces, layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The heavy cream and parmesan cheese in the sauce will keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken breasts.

• For freezing, ensure the Marry Me Chicken is completely cooled. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. The sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream sauce will hold up well to freezing.

• To thaw, transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the chicken breasts.

• Reheat using the same method as for refrigerated storage: in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave on medium power.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover Marry Me Chicken in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through.
  5. For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. In a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to prevent drying out.
  2. Place the Marry Me Chicken in the skillet over medium heat.
  3. Cover and heat for about 10-15 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
  4. Stir gently to ensure even heating.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Marry Me Chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Add a small amount of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  4. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then check and stir.
  5. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until thoroughly warmed.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Marry Me Chicken in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.
  4. If needed, add a small amount of chicken broth or heavy cream to keep the chicken moist.

• Oven: Used to bake the chicken to ensure it is cooked through.

• Oven-safe skillet: Allows you to sear the chicken on the stovetop and then transfer it directly to the oven.

• Stove: Used to heat the skillet and cook the ingredients before transferring to the oven.

• Tongs: Handy for turning and removing the chicken breasts from the skillet.

• Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the olive oil, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated parmesan cheese.

• Knife: Needed for mincing the garlic and chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce and combining the ingredients.

• Spatula: Useful for scraping the skillet to ensure all the flavorful bits are incorporated into the sauce.

• Serving platter: Perfect for presenting the finished dish once it’s ready to be served.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the ingredients to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time.

Buy pre-chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Purchase sun-dried tomatoes that are already chopped to speed up the process.

One-pan method: Use an oven-safe skillet to sear and bake the chicken, reducing the number of dishes to clean.

Measure ingredients in advance: Measure out all your ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.