Food lovers all over the world want to try something different and prefer some tasty recipes that are delicious. Some even like preparing recipes in a kitchen during the holidays, festival celebrations, etc. However, they may not hear of some popular dishes that are well-known for their flavors. Marry Me Chicken is one among them that has captured the hearts of many individuals. The dish is ideal for preparing pasta, soup, and other recipes to ensure excellent taste. It is also suitable for birthday parties, family gatherings, and other events to share happiness with others.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Many people want to know what Marry Me Chicken is and why it is called so. It is a one-pan chicken recipe that typically features chicken breasts simmered in a creamy white wine sauce with a combination of herbs, garlic, lemon, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream etc. Moreover, cooks add some additional ingredients to the chicken to increase the taste. It is a mouthwatering, creamy, and savory dish that attracts food enthusiasts.
A story reveals that this dish could inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite due to its delicious ingredients and taste. It is perfect for those who want to share their love with someone they like most. The dish can be served at an engagement dinner, anniversary feast, or celebratory banquet. Furthermore, it becomes easier to prepare this dish at home with a unique flavor combination.
What are the ingredients of Marry Me Chicken?
The taste of Marry Me Chicken lies in its luxurious combination of ingredients, and each of them adds a layer of flavor to the dish. All of these ingredients make the dish more delicious and tastier.
Here are some ingredients used in this recipe.
1. Creamy sauce
The creamy sauce in the dish is worth watching because it is made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It enhances every bite by clinging to the chicken and improves the texture and flavor. While Parmesan cheese enhances the taste, the cream adds a smooth consistency.
2. Garlic
Garlic is one of the important ingredients used in the dish, which plays a vital role in adding depth and warmth to the chicken. Furthermore, it infuses the sauce, thereby enhancing the aroma and taste.
3. Aromatic herbs
Aromatic herbs such as basil and thyme add more taste to the Marry Me chicken dish. Basil contributes a slight sweet freshness, and thyme adds an earthy aroma. The basil and thyme combination balances the dish’s creamy richness.
4. Sun-dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness to Marry Me chicken, contributing more to balance the richness of the sauce. Along with that, their vibrant color and chewy texture make the dish appealing.
5. Juicy chicken
Chicken breasts are the main ingredient of Marry Me Chicken, which lets food lovers ensure a better taste. However, those who want a juicier result can choose thighs instead of breasts to make the dish delicious. The chicken is simmered in the creamy sauce until it turns golden brown after being seared.
6. Heavy cream
Including heavy cream in Marry Me Chicken will do many wonders that help get the desired consistency.
7. Parmesan
Parmesan melts right into the sauce, which gives way to bring depth.
8. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Crushed red pepper flakes add more spice to the dish, which makes the recipe more delicious.
9. Chicken broth
Chicken broth in the dish is suitable for improving and controlling the seasonings.
What are the pro tips for making Marry Me chicken?
1. A cook should butterfly the chicken breasts before cooking to cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. It is important not to skimp on the garlic, which is the soul of the dish.
3. Using fresh herbs for the dish will enhance the taste and flavor.
4. Keeping all ingredients, including Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes, ready in plenty
5. Letting the chicken rest after searing before adding it back to the sauce
What are the additional ingredients to consider for personalization?
Although the dish is a classic recipe, some cooks might prefer some additional ingredients for personalization. They can add spinach, mushrooms, or crushed red pepper flakes to elevate the chicken’s taste further.
How to make the Marry Me Chicken recipe?
Anyone who wants to make the Marry Me Chicken recipe should know the essential ingredients from different sources. Furthermore, they should follow some guidelines to prepare the chicken for delicious recipes.
Ingredients needed for the chicken
- 3 or 4 pieces of skinless and boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon chopped dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chopped dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Steps to follow to make the dish
1. Preparing the chicken
The first step is seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. In the second step, one should heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Searing the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown is the next step. A cook can add minced garlic and sauté the same for 30 seconds to make it fragrant.
2. Making the creamy sauce
Creamy sauce is necessary for making the Marry Me Chicken dish, and it can be done by deglazing the skillet after pouring in the chicken broth. The next step is to lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Next, one has to ensure that the sauce is smooth, and the cheese is melted.
3. Adding ingredients
Adding ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, and oregano to the sauce to simmer it for 2-3 minutes.
4. Combining the chicken and sauce
The next step in preparing the Marry Me Chicken dish is putting the seared chicken in the skillet and nestling it in the sauce. The chicken should be fully coated with the sauce to ensure a delicious taste after completing the cooking process. In the next step, a cook should cover the skillet and simmer it for 10-12 minutes until the dish is fully cooked.
5. Garnishing and serving
One should remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves to increase the flavor.
What are the variations to customize Marry Me Chicken?
Those who want to customize Marry Me Chicken can add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms to add nutrition and texture. They can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes and experiment with different cheeses such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
How to perfect the Marry Me Chicken dish?
Cooks willing to perfect Marry Me Chicken should select a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, which works best for cooking. The next step is to sear the chickens in batches if necessary to get a golden-brown crust. If the sauce is too thick, then adding a splash of cream or chicken will increase the taste. On the other hand, simmering the thin sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes will result in better results.
How to make Marry Me Chicken in a crock-pot?
Cooking Marry Me Chicken in a crock pot becomes easy when a cook follows the step-by-step instructions. Furthermore, it lets individuals prepare the dish in a crockpot with more flavor.
Guidelines to prepare the dish in a crockpot
1. Gathering the ingredients
Before making Marry Me Chicken in a crock pot, a cook should gather the necessary ingredients needed for the preparation. They include boneless and skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil leaves, chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, etc.
2. Preparing the chicken
Focusing more on Marry Me Chicken crock-pot preparation with attention will make the dish delicious. A cook should season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper to get the desired outcome. It is wise to keep the seasoned breasts in a refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor development.
3. Layering the base ingredients
Layering is the next step in Marry Me Chicken crock pot preparation, and one should place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot after lightly greasing it with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
4. Creating the aromatic base
Creating the aromatic base is one of the steps to follow while preparing the dish in a crock pot. It can be done by combining the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning to increase the taste. Sprinkling this mixture evenly over the chicken is the next step because it allows the aromatics to infuse into the chicken.
5. Adding sun-dried tomatoes and other liquids
In Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot preparation, adding sun-dried tomatoes and other liquids will increase the flavor to a greater extent. It is important to preserve the seasoning after pouring the chicken broth around the chicken and scattering the chopped sun-dried tomatoes throughout the crock pot. This, in turn, lets tomatoes release their sweet-spongy flavor into the sauce when the crock pot recipe simmers.
6. Cooking to perfection
The next step is to ensure that the chicken in the crock-pot stays tender and juicy. It can be done by covering the dish and cooking the same for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Finishing the sauce
Before serving the dish, one should remove the chicken carefully and keep it aside for about 30 minutes. Now, it is time to pour the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the liquid in the crock pot and whisk the same. In the next step, a cook has to put the chicken in the crock pot and spoon some of the sauce over the top. The process should continue for 10-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
8. Final touches
Adding fresh basil leaves and adjusting seasonings to the dish is the final step because they will provide a bright contrast to the rich creamy sauce.
What are common mistakes to avoid in Marry Me Chicken crock pot preparation?
Some cooks might make common mistakes in Marry Me Chicken crock pot preparation that will impact the flavor and taste. Therefore, they should know how to avoid them, which helps make a delicious dish.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the crock pot preparation.
1. Overcooking the chicken
Most cooks make a mistake by overcooking the chicken, and expert chefs reveal that chicken breasts cooked beyond 165°F (74°C) will lose approximately 10% of moisture for every 10 degrees, resulting in a dry texture. Hence, using a thermometer will help for experiencing perfect results.
2. Under-seasoning
Seasoning is necessary in crock pot preparation, and cooks should avoid using slow cookers for under-seasoning practices.
3. Neglecting to trim chicken
Neglecting to trim chicken will increase the fat level which can make the sauce greasy, and trimming the chicken improves the final appearance and texture.
4. Adding dairy too early
Adding cream at the beginning of the cooking process can cause curdling, and a cook should avoid the practice.
5. Lifting the lid frequently
Lifting the lid frequently will reduce the taste of the chicken, and a cook should reduce the temptation to check too often.
Instructions to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Pasta is popular among all ages, and the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is the best choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It is a classic combo that is rich in taste with a combination of flavors.
Here are the instructions to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home.
1. Preparing the list of ingredients for the recipe
Before making the chicken pasta, one should consider preparing the list of ingredients to complete cooking quickly. Keeping ingredients ready will save more time while making the recipe.
2. Making the pasta
Making the pasta is the first step, and it can be done by following the instructions in the package or other sources. The next step is draining the pasta and then setting the same aside.
3. Cutting and searing chicken
Cutting the chicken into 1-inch bite-sized pieces provides ways to enhance the taste after seasoning them with salt and pepper. Now, it’s time to transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set the dish aside.
4. Making sauce
Sauce is necessary for Marry Me Chicken Pasta and can be prepared by adding butter to a skillet. In the next step, one should sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant and add the same to the flour to make a paste. Adding heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the chicken broth will increase the taste after whisking both.
5. Cooking the chicken
Cooking the seared chicken in a large skillet over medium heat with sun-dried tomato oil or other oil is the next step. It is wise to lower the heat, cover, and cook the chicken until the dish reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
6. Adding the remaining ingredients
Adding the remaining ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and shallots, to the same skillet until fragrant is the next step. Then, one should add the flour and cook a bit more.
7. Adding the cream and sauce
A cook should now add the cream, sauce, broth, and spinach. One should ensure the thickening of sauce and wilting of spinach. The next step is to stir the Parmesan cheese until melted after adding it.
8. Garnishing the thickened
Finally, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipeis ready bystirring in diced chicken and cooked pasta and garnishing them with fresh basil leaves.
What are the ways to prepare perfect Marry Me Chicken pasta?
Although making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process, a cook should follow some extra steps to ensure perfection.
1. Checking the temperature of chicken: Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check whether the heat crosses above 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
2. Using freshly grated cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese will increase the flavor and will melt more evenly into the sauce.
3. Adding a little heat: Sprinkling red pepper flakes on the dish will bring more warmth.
4. Preheating the pan: Preheating the pan before searing the chicken will make the dish nice and hot, which will help begin cooking.
5. Not letting the sauce boil: Letting the sauce boil will result in breaking, and a cook should avoid the practice and maintain a light simmer.
6. Cooking the pasta to al dente: Cooking the pasta to al dente provides ways to prevent it from breaking apart when added to the dish.
How to store Marry Me Chicken pasta?
Everyone loves eating Marry Me Chicken pasta, but it will have leftovers. Therefore, it is wise to keep the leftovers in a refrigerator for up to 4 days in a tightly covered airtight container. A cook can reheat the leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat and add a splash of cream if needed.
Guidelines to make Marry Me Chicken Soup
Making Marry Me Chicken soup involves some steps, and those who want to prepare the same can follow them to ensure more taste.
Here is how to prepare the chicken soup.
1. Knowing the ingredients
It is important to know the ingredients needed for preparing Marry Me Chicken soup to ensure a delicious taste. Tomato paste, sun-dried tomato oil, low-sodium chicken broth, small pasta shells, kosher salt, Parmesan cheese, shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, coarsely chopped baby spinach, about 2 cups of small pasta shells, chopped fresh basil, garlic cloves, etc.
2. Making the tomato base
The first step is to make the tomato base by heating the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat until shimmering for about 3 minutes. In the next step, one should add the garlic and cook, stirring often until fragrant. Adding sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste will increase the paste by cooking and stirring constantly. It is important to ensure that the paste turns a slightly deeper red for about 2 minutes.
3. Flavoring the broth
Stirring in the broth, basil, salt, garlic, crushed red pepper, and Italian seasoning is the next step in the soup preparation. It is necessary to stir continuously for 12 minutes after bringing to a boil over medium heat.
4. Adding the pasta
It’s now time to add the pasta and reduce the heat to medium-low and stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente, about 6 minutes.
5. Finishing and serving
The final step is to stir the cream cheese, Parmesan, spinach, basil, and Parmesan after removing the pot from the heat. It is necessary to stir often to ensure the melting of the cheese and Parmesan and that the chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes. A cook can also garnish the soup with additional basil and Parmesan, if needed.
Tips for making Marry Me Chicken pasta delicious
1. Softening the cream: Softening the cream cheese at room temperature provides ways to incorporate it into the soup easily.
2. Knowing the recommended time for pasta cooking: Cooks willing to try different pasta instead of the small shells should know the recommended cooking time to get to al dente.
3. Sopping up the chicken: Serving Marry Me Chicken soup with crusty bread or pillow rolls will help sop up every last bit of the broth.
Conclusion:
Cooks who want to make the Marry Me chicken dish should know the ingredients and other things. This is because the dish is a standout meal due to its rich creamy sauce, seared chicken, and vibrant flavors. It is the best option for a romantic dinner, marriage proposal, and other events. Moreover, the dish provides ways to make pasta and soup, which will inspire guests and family members. The dish is ideal for those who want to try a new recipe with outstanding taste.
