Marry Me Chicken Ingredients

You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok: a photo of a succulent chicken breast smothered in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and basil, served over a bed of pasta. The caption reads something like “Marry me chicken: the dish that will make anyone say yes!” But what are the Marry Me Chicken ingredients that make this dish so irresistible? And where did this recipe come from? We’ll explore the history, the recipe, and the variations of marry me chicken, as well as some tips and tricks to make it at home.

History and Origin

The origin of marry me chicken is not very clear, but some sources trace it back to a cookbook called “The Bride and Groom First and Forever Cookbook” by Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford, published in 2003. The book features a recipe for “Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce”, which is very similar to the modern version of marry me chicken.

However, the name “marry me chicken” seems to have emerged much later, around 2017, when a food blogger named Kelsey Nixon posted a video of her making the dish on Facebook. She claimed that her husband proposed to her after she cooked him this dish, and that it was his favorite meal. The video went viral, and soon many other food bloggers and social media users started sharing their own versions of the dish, using the hashtag #marrymechicken.

Since then, the dish has become a popular choice for romantic dinners, proposals, and special occasions, as well as a regular weeknight meal for many families.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The basic recipe for marry me chicken is quite simple and requires only a few ingredients. Here is a list of the main ingredients, as well as some variations from different sources:

• Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, the chicken breasts are seasoned with salt and pepper and seared in a skillet until golden and juicy. Some recipes use chicken thighs instead, which are more tender and flavorful, but also higher in fat and calories.
• Olive oil: The oil is used to cook the chicken and the garlic, and to add some healthy fats to the dish. Some recipes use butter instead, which adds more richness and flavor, but also more saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Garlic: The garlic adds a punch of flavor and aroma to the sauce, and pairs well with the other ingredients. Some recipes use more or less garlic, depending on personal preference. Some also add onion, shallot, or leek for more depth and sweetness.
• Chicken broth: The broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce, and helps deglaze the skillet and scrape up the brown bits from the chicken, which add more flavor. Some recipes use white wine instead, which adds more acidity and complexity, but also more alcohol and calories.
• Heavy cream: The cream makes the sauce thick and creamy, and balances the acidity of the sun-dried tomatoes and the saltiness of the cheese. Some recipes use half-and-half, milk, or sour cream instead, which are lower in fat and calories, but also thinner and less rich.
• Parmesan cheese: The cheese adds a nutty and savory taste to the sauce, and melts into the cream and helps thicken it. Some recipes use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese, which have different flavors and textures, but also different fat and sodium levels.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: The tomatoes add a sweet and tangy touch to the dish, and contrast with the creamy sauce and the chicken. They also add some color and texture to the dish. Some recipes use fresh cherry tomatoes instead, which are juicier and more acidic, but also less concentrated and flavorful.
• Basil: The basil adds a fresh and herbal note to the dish, and complements the flavors of the garlic, the cheese, and the tomatoes. It also adds some greenery and brightness to the dish. Some recipes use other herbs, such as parsley, oregano, or thyme, which have different flavors and aromas, but also similar benefits.

Cooking Instructions

To make marry me chicken, you need to follow these steps:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 15 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the garlic. Cook for about a minute, stirring, until fragrant. Don’t let it burn.
4. Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. This will add more flavor to the sauce.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the broth is reduced by half.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, the parmesan cheese, the sun-dried tomatoes, and the basil. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce is slightly thickened.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over it. Cook for another 5 minutes, until heated through.
8. Serve the chicken and the sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or vegetables. Enjoy!

One of the advantages of this recipe is that it is a one-pot or one-pan dish, which means you only need one skillet to make it, and you don’t have to wash a lot of dishes afterwards. However, you still need to cook the pasta, rice, or vegetables separately, unless you use an oven-safe skillet and bake the dish in the oven with the pasta or rice already added.

Serving Suggestions

Marry me chicken is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but it can also be paired with some side dishes or beverages to make it even more delicious. Here are some suggestions:

• Pasta: Pasta is the most common and classic side dish for marry me chicken, as it absorbs the sauce well and adds some carbs to the meal. You can use any shape of pasta you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or bow-tie. You can also use whole wheat, gluten-free, or veggie pasta for more fiber and nutrients.
• Rice: Rice is another good option for serving with marry me chicken, as it also soaks up the sauce and adds some carbs to the meal. You can use white, brown, or wild rice, depending on your preference. You can also use quinoa, couscous, or barley for more protein and texture.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to add some freshness and crunch to your plate, and to balance the richness of the sauce. You can use any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or spinach. You can steam, roast, or sauté them, or make a salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing.
• Bread: Bread is another option for serving with marry me chicken, as it helps you soak up every drop of the sauce and adds some extra carbs to your meal. You can use a loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread, or make your own biscuits, rolls, or cornbread.
• Wine: Wine is a popular beverage to pair with marry me chicken, as it complements the flavors of the dish and adds some bubbles to your drink. You can choose a white wine, such as chardonnay, pinot grigio, or sauvignon blanc, or a red wine, such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon, or pinot noir, depending on your taste. You can also use sparkling water, lemonade, or iced tea for a non-alcoholic alternative.
• Dessert: Dessert is a must for a romantic meal, and there are many options to choose from to end your night on a sweet note. You can go for a classic cheesecake or chocolate cake, or try something more exotic, such as tiramisu, crème brûlée, or baklava. You can also serve some fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or cherries, with whipped cream or chocolate sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

Marry me chicken is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions:

• If you don’t like chicken, you can use turkey, pork, or tofu instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you don’t like sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts instead. Just add them at the end of the sauce.
• If you don’t like basil, you can use parsley, oregano, or thyme instead. Just use the same amount or less.
• If you want to make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta or rice instead. Just cook it according to the package directions.
• If you want to make this dish dairy-free, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead of parmesan cheese. Just be aware that the sauce may not be as thick or creamy.
• If you want to make this dish low-carb, you can use zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or rice. Just cook them until tender and drain well.
• If you want to make this dish more spicy, you can add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce, or hot sauce to the sauce. Just add them along with the garlic, or to taste.