Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a delicious substitute. They're naturally more flavorful and forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust your cooking time as thighs typically take a few minutes longer than breast cutlets.

Why is my sauce not thickening properly?

The sauce thickens from three main elements: the flour from the chicken coating, the reduction of the liquid as it simmers, and the parmesan cheese. Make sure you're using heavy cream (not half-and-half), simmering long enough for reduction, and using freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-grated, which often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

While traditional Marry Me Chicken relies on cream and parmesan for its signature texture and flavor, you could experiment with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. The flavor profile will change significantly, but it could still be delicious in its own right.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can provide a similar sweet-savory element, though with a milder flavor. Alternatively, you could use a tablespoon of tomato paste plus a handful of halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh take on the dish.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken is a flavorful and creamy dish featuring tender chicken cutlets cooked in a rich parmesan and sundried tomato sauce. This one-pan recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a romantic dinner. Serve it over pasta or rice for a truly comforting and delicious experience!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken

3 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour

Cooking

2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter

Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
1/2 cup (43 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, ensuring to shake off any excess. This step helps give the chicken a light coating for a golden crust while cooking.
Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the surface with the oil and butter. Brown the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. The chicken should be golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover, and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about a minute or until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the chicken stock to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, which will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Make the Sauce
Adjust the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken. Add chili flakes, oregano, and thyme, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Add Sundried Tomatoes and Chicken
Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, then return the chicken to the skillet. Coat the chicken in the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken further.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Marry Me Chicken warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal

Notes

Chicken Preparation: To create thin chicken cutlets, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound the pieces to about ¼-inch thickness.
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative; however, they may require additional cooking time.
Sundried Tomato Oil: Sautéing the garlic in a bit of sundried tomato oil adds an extra layer of flavor.
Heavy Cream: Avoid using half-and-half or single cream as they won’t thicken the sauce properly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grating fresh parmesan yields better results, as pre-grated options often lack flavor and don’t melt as well.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 420
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24
Cholesterol: 105