Marry Me Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and speaks volumes of love. This creamy, savory delight combines tender chicken with a blend of herbs, spices, and a luscious sauce. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to make your dinner unforgettable.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup spinach, chopped
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 chicken breast with sauce) contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 8g
– Fiber: 1g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
7. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
8. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
9. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
10. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
11. Add chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
12. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. Additionally, fresh tomatoes can replace sun-dried tomatoes for a fresher taste, and any leafy green can substitute for spinach.
Serving and Pairings
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a crisp green salad. A glass of white wine or sparkling water complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy.
– Ensure the sauce reaches a simmer, not a boil, to avoid separation.
– Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
– Don’t skip the garnishing; fresh herbs elevate the dish.
– Avoid using low-fat dairy in the sauce; it may not thicken properly.
Helpful Tips
– Marinate the chicken for a few hours to enhance flavor.
– Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F).
– Consider adding mushrooms for extra flavor.
– Serve with fresh bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it may take longer to cook through.
What can I serve instead of spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard can be great alternatives to spinach, providing similar textures and flavors.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free, this dish will be safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine and bake just before serving.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a culinary masterpiece that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. Perfect for any occasion, this dish promises to impress and delight. Whether for a romantic dinner or a family feast, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup spinach chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Add chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
