## Introduction
Are you searching for a dish that blends comfort with elegance? Look no further! Marry Me Chicken is an absolutely delightful recipe that will win everyone's heart. This creamy, flavorful dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. With juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is a must-try. It's easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and will leave you with a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
## Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is not just delicious; it is also a very versatile dish. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy flavors. The combination of tomatoes, cream, and cheesy goodness creates a sauce that is perfect for coating pasta, rice, or even bread for dipping. Whether you are cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat your family on a regular night, this dish fits the bill.
Another reason to make this recipe is its simplicity. It takes minimal prep time and uses just a few ingredients. The cooking process is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks. Plus, it can be made in one skillet, which means less cleanup afterward!
Lastly, this dish is visually impressive. The vibrant red sauce and the sprinkle of fresh basil make it look stunning on your dinner table. Wow your guests or loved ones with a meal that seems fancy but is easy to prepare.
## How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dish in your kitchen. Follow these simple steps, and you will have a delicious meal ready in no time!
### Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
### Directions:
1. **Heat the Olive Oil**: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil will help to cook the chicken and add flavor.
2. **Season the Chicken**: While the oil heats, take the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure that each side is coated well with the seasonings.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is browned and entirely cooked through. You can check if the chicken is done by cutting into the thickest part; there should be no pink meat inside.
4. **Remove Chicken from Skillet**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step allows you to prepare the sauce without overcooking the chicken.
5. **Prepare the Sauce**: In the same skillet, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir and bring the sauce to a simmer. This should take a couple of minutes. The tomatoes will pick up the flavors left in the pan from the chicken, enhancing the overall taste.
6. **Mix in Cream and Cheese**: Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth.
7. **Return the Chicken**: Now, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
8. **Serve**: Once everything is cooked and combined, serve your Marry Me Chicken hot. Don't forget to garnish it with fresh basil for that added touch of freshness.
## How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken can be served in a variety of ways. The rich and creamy sauce pairs beautifully with different sides. Here are some ideas to consider:
- **Over Pasta**: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fresh pasta, such as fettuccine or spaghetti. The sauce will cling to the noodles, creating a delicious meal.
- **With Rice**: For a comforting option, consider serving the chicken over a bowl of steamed rice. The rice will soak up the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- **With Bread**: A crusty piece of bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce. It adds a nice texture and is great for sopping up every drop of that yummy sauce.
- **On a Salad**: For a lighter meal, slice the chicken and place it on a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle a little of the sauce over the salad for added flavor.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Marry Me Chicken is sure to impress!
## How to Store Marry Me Chicken
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), storing Marry Me Chicken is easy. Here’s how:
- **Refrigeration**: Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- **Freezing**: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Just make sure it’s well-sealed in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat the frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.
## Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken
To get the best results from this recipe, consider the following tips:
- **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. It will add a richer flavor to the chicken.
- **Adjust Seasonings**: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to your taste. Every palate is different, so make it yours!
- **Don’t Overcook the Chicken**: Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so check for doneness early.
- **Add Veggies**: Feel free to add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the sauce for an extra flavor boost and nutritional benefit.
- **Make it Spicy**: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
## Variation
Marry Me Chicken can be easily customized to suit your tastes:
- **Chicken Thighs**: Instead of using chicken breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are more flavorful and stay juicy.
- **Different Cheeses**: While Parmesan works beautifully, you can try other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a different twist.
- **Herbs**: If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as thyme or parsley, they can be used instead of dried Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor profile.
## FAQs
**1. Can I use frozen chicken?**
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even doneness.
**2. How can I make this dish dairy-free?**
To make Marry Me Chicken dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
**3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?**
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When you're ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and add the chicken to warm it through.
Enjoy making and savoring your Marry Me Chicken, and watch as it becomes a favorite in your household!
Marry Me Chicken
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for romantic dinners or family meals.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until browned and completely cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, cover, and let simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes.
Serving
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for better flavor and adjust seasonings to taste. You can add vegetables for a nutritional boost or make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.