💍 Hook: Looking for a dinner that screams "I love you"? This viral sensation is so good, legend says it can elicit a marriage proposal after just one bite.
The Viral "Marry Me Chicken": A Creamy Dream Worth the Hype
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5.0 (based on 3,420 reviews)
📜 History & Origin
The legend of Marry Me Chicken began around 2016 in the test kitchens of Delish. Editors joked that the combination of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic was so intoxicatingly delicious that once you tasted it, you'd want to marry the cook immediately. Since then, it has taken over TikTok and Instagram as the ultimate romantic comfort food.
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, swimming in a rich, velvety sauce of parmesan, garlic, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s elegant enough for date night but fast enough (30 minutes!) for a busy Tuesday.
🕒 Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Total Time:
🥗 Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil & 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (do not substitute milk!)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 1 tsp dried oregano & ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
🍅 Ingredient Deep Dive
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These are the star of the show. Use the kind packed in oil (not dry-bagged) as they are softer and richer. Pro Tip: Use a teaspoon of the oil from the jar to sauté your chicken for an extra flavor kick.
🌿 Flavor Boost: Recommended Seasonings
- Smoked Paprika: Add a pinch to the flour coating for a smoky depth.
- White Wine: Splash 2 tbsp of Pinot Grigio into the pan before adding the broth to deglaze and lift the fond (browned bits).
👨🍳 Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets. Season with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- Sear: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside (it doesn't need to be fully cooked yet).
- Make the Base: In the same pan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up the yummy browned bits from the bottom.
- Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to slightly thicken.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Finish Cooking: Return the chicken (and any resting juices) to the skillet. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot!
🍽 Variations
- "Marry Me" Pasta: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking, and toss 8oz of cooked penne or rigatoni directly into the sauce at the end.
- Low Carb / Keto: Skip the flour dredging and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash.
🛠 Troubleshooting
Sauce Split or Curdled? This happens if the heat is too high when adding the cream. Always turn the heat down to medium-low or low before adding dairy. If it splits, whisk in a splash of warm water vigorously to bring it back together.
💡 Chef’s Secrets
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded parmesan contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Buy a block and grate it yourself for the silkiest sauce.
- Don't Overcrowd: Sear the chicken in batches if your pan is small to ensure a nice crust rather than steaming the meat.
📊 Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 580 kcal | 38g | 12g | 42g |
🍷 Perfect Pairings
- Carbs: Angel hair pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty sourdough bread to mop up the sauce.
- Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir cuts through the rich cream perfectly.
💍 Quick Quiz: Which ingredient gives this dish its signature tangy sweetness?
- A: Heavy Cream
- B: Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- C: Red Pepper Flakes
🗳️ Poll: How do you serve your Marry Me Chicken?
Did you say "I Do" to this recipe?
Snap a photo and tag #MarryMeChicken and #MyBlogName on Instagram!
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"The way to the heart is through the stomach."
Enjoy every creamy bite of this viral masterpiece!
Enjoy every creamy bite of this viral masterpiece!
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