Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the main protein of the dish.

Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to give it a golden crust.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and depth to the seasoning.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant and savory base for the sauce.

Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.

Chicken broth: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce.

Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a salty and nutty flavor.

Red pepper flakes: Gives the dish a subtle heat.

Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.

When searing the chicken breasts, ensure the skillet is hot enough to create a golden crust. This not only locks in the juices but also adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.

• boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Substitute with boneless, skinless 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 similar smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good substitute for olive oil.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a similar level of saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor but can still provide the necessary heat.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent flavor of minced garlic.

• heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a similar creamy texture and richness, though it will add a slight coconut flavor.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base while keeping the dish lighter.

• grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture and salty flavor, making it a good alternative to Parmesan.

• red pepper flakes - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can provide a similar level of heat, though it is more potent, so use sparingly.

• italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence offers a similar blend of herbs, though it may include lavender, which adds a unique flavor.

• chopped sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a similar sweetness and texture, though they lack the tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes.

• Allow the chicken breasts to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the chicken soggy.
• Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Marry Me Chicken will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of its freshness. The Marry Me Chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot.
• If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving to enhance the flavors.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover Marry Me Chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through. This method helps maintain the original texture and flavor of the dish.

• Stovetop Method: In a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to prevent the chicken from drying out. Place the Marry Me Chicken in the skillet over medium heat. Cover and heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly warmed. This method is quick and keeps the sauce creamy.

• Microwave Method: Place the Marry Me Chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a little chicken broth or heavy cream to keep it moist. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, then check and stir. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the chicken is hot. This method is the fastest but may slightly alter the texture.

• Sous Vide Method: If you have a sous vide machine, this is an excellent way to reheat without losing any moisture. Set the sous vide to 140°F (60°C). Place the Marry Me Chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-lock bag using the water displacement method. Submerge in the water bath for about 45 minutes. This method ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the Marry Me Chicken in the air fryer basket, ensuring it's not overcrowded. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through. This method gives the chicken a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

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

• Oven-safe skillet: Essential for searing the chicken and then transferring it directly to the oven.

• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken breasts while searing them.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the olive oil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.

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

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the sauce ingredients together in the skillet.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the sun-dried tomatoes.

• Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the sun-dried tomatoes and any optional garnishes like fresh basil.

• Plate: Used to set aside the seared chicken breasts temporarily.

• Spatula: Useful for spooning the sauce over the chicken before baking.

• Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot skillet when transferring it to and from the oven.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using store-bought pre-minced garlic instead of mincing it yourself.

One-pan method: Cook the chicken and make the sauce in the same skillet to reduce cleanup time.

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

Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked through quickly by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness.