Marry Me Chicken

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If you’re searching for a dish that promises love at first bite, Marry Me Chicken is the one. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory bacon bits, this dish isn’t just a meal—it’s a declaration. It’s the kind of recipe that has earned its playful name because, legend has it, serving this dish might just lead to a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, I can promise that Marry Me Chicken will win over even the toughest of critics at the dinner table.

I love how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between gourmet and comforting. It feels fancy enough for a date night at home but is simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. The ingredients blend harmoniously to create layers of flavor that feel both indulgent and approachable. Plus, that creamy sauce with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes—absolute heaven!

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Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy parmesan sauce creates a taste that lingers beautifully.
• Quick & Easy: It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Pairing: Goes well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up, and all the flavors meld together in one skillet.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Marry Me Chicken?

For the best results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and evenly, and their mild flavor pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce. If you prefer dark meat, you can absolutely swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs—just keep in mind they may need a bit more cooking time to reach that perfect, juicy tenderness.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken is its flexibility. Here are some simple swaps you can make:

• Chicken Thighs: As mentioned, thighs work well if you prefer dark meat.
• Heavy Cream Alternatives: Swap with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you’re not a fan, try roasted red peppers or even cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist.
• Bacon Bits: Pancetta or prosciutto are fantastic alternatives, or skip it altogether for a lighter version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago would add a slightly different but delicious flavor.

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Ingredients for This Marry Me Chicken

Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken recipe plays a vital role in building its rich, irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, they absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch to each bite.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide a sweet, tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The base for the velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the savory flavor and thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings salty, umami goodness to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. This not only gives you crunchy bacon bits but also leaves behind flavorful drippings for the sauce. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet.

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Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

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Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in more Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.

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Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken and crispy bacon to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes and enjoy this flavorful, heartwarming dish!

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How Long to Cook Marry Me Chicken

The total cooking time for Marry Me Chicken is around 30 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Searing the Chicken: 10-14 minutes (5-7 minutes per side)
• Simmering in Sauce: 10-15 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
• Prep Time: About 5 minutes for chopping and seasoning

This quick cook time makes it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

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Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken

1. Pound the Chicken Evenly: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to get a good golden crust.
3. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a more robust flavor than pre-minced.
4. Simmer, Don’t Boil: When cooking the sauce, keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from curdling.
5. Taste as You Go: The sauce can easily be adjusted with more parmesan, seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
6. Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a couple of minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like Marry Me Chicken has a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: This can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches exactly 165°F (74°C).
• Skipping the Sear: Searing the chicken adds flavor and helps lock in the juices.
• Curdled Sauce: Avoid high heat when adding cream. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer.
• Too Much Salt: Since bacon and parmesan are salty, be cautious when seasoning the dish.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid a bitter taste.

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What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken?

This creamy, savory dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are eight delicious ideas:

1. Buttery Mashed Potatoes

The rich sauce from Marry Me Chicken is perfect for drizzling over creamy mashed potatoes.

2. Garlic Parmesan Pasta

A simple pasta with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan complements the dish’s flavors perfectly.

3. Steamed Rice

Plain white or jasmine rice soaks up the creamy sauce wonderfully.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts add a fresh, healthy balance.

5. Crusty Bread

Use it to scoop up every bit of that delicious sauce.

6. Zucchini Noodles

A lighter, low-carb option that still offers a satisfying texture.

7. Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.

8. Green Beans Almondine

The crunch of almonds and the fresh taste of green beans add elegance and texture to the meal.

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Storage Instructions

Marry Me Chicken stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze Marry Me Chicken for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing without pasta or rice to maintain the best texture.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce and maintain its creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition per serving of Marry Me Chicken:

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

These values are estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and reheat it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.

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2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

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3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling once the cream is added. Stir frequently and add the cream slowly for a smooth sauce.

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4. Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients (like sun-dried tomatoes) are gluten-free.

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5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and parmesan with nutritional yeast, but the flavor will change slightly.

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6. What can I use instead of bacon?

Pancetta or turkey bacon work well, or you can omit it for a lighter version.

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7. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little kick.

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8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would be delicious additions. Simply sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a dish that truly lives up to its name. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory bacon bits, it’s hard not to fall in love with every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to impress.

Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and share it with your family and friends. They’ll thank you for it—and who knows, you might just inspire a proposal or two!

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