Now, we've probably all heard of a dish being so good people label it as "finger-licking good" right? Well, what about a dish being called "marry me good?" Well, there's a new creation sweeping across social media called Marry Me Chicken. It's supposed to be so good that it will want to make the person want to marry you (hmph, we'll be the judge of that).
Origins of Marry Me Chicken
The exact origin of Marry Me Chicken is somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, it is widely believed that the dish emerged from the rich traditions of Italian-American cuisine. Combining classic Italian flavors with an American twist, Marry Me Chicken embodies the fusion of culinary traditions and the pursuit of love through food.
One possible explanation as to why this dish is named marry me chicken is because of the way the flavors marry together as they cook. A lot of the sauce components are incredible on their own, but when you pair them together, they become absolutely unbelievable. Creamy and cheesy, with bold flavors of dried and fresh herbs and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
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Ingredients
Marry Me Chicken revolves around a simple yet harmonious ensemble of ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need to create this enchanting dish:
3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts see Notes
salt to taste
freshly cracked black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil or other neutral oil
For the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream at or close to room temperature
- ⅓ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese at room temperature
- ½-1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- fresh basil chiffonaded, for garnish
Chicken: Tender and boneless chicken breasts serve as the foundation of this recipe. Their mild flavor and moist texture make them the perfect canvas for the ensuing flavors.
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Herbs and Spices: Aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano bring a delightful fragrance to the dish. Garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes add depth and a subtle kick.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These ruby jewels of intense flavor lend a sweet and tangy taste to the dish. They balance the richness of the cream sauce, creating a harmonious blend.
Spinach: A generous handful of fresh spinach adds a vibrant burst of color and a touch of earthiness to the dish. It also contributes to the overall nutritional value.
Cream Sauce: The star of the show, the cream sauce, is a silky concoction made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It is this luxurious sauce that has been known to elicit marriage proposals with its delectable allure.
Preparation
Now that we have gathered the ingredients, let's explore the steps to create this captivating dish:
Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear them in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
Add Spinach and Chicken: Toss in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt and combine with the sauce. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have infused.
Serve and Savor: Plate the Marry Me Chicken alongside your choice of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of elegance. Then, invite your loved one to embark on a journey of culinary bliss together.
