As a woman who loves sharing her culinary adventures, I’ve always believed that food is more than just nourishment; it’s a story, a memory, a piece of art. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that’s close to my heart – Marry Me Chicken. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a love story on a plate.
I still remember the first time I tasted Marry Me Chicken. It was at a small, cozy neighborhood gathering. The host, a dear friend of mine, had prepared this dish as the centerpiece of her dinner party. The aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through the air, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. As we sat down to eat, she shared the story of how this dish had a special place in her heart. It was the meal she had cooked on her first anniversary, a recipe passed down from her grandmother.
The first bite was a revelation. The chicken, tender and juicy, paired perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce, leaving us all in awe. The combination of garlic, oregano, and thyme created a symphony of flavors that danced on my palate. Each ingredient played its part in perfect harmony, from the succulent chicken to the sun-dried tomatoes adding a sweet, tangy twist.
Which country made Marry Me Chicken?
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The origin of “Marry Me Chicken” is not attributed to a specific country but is rather a contemporary recipe popular in American home cooking. It gained attention for its flavorful combination of chicken, cream, and spices, making it a favorite for special occasions.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
When serving “Marry Me Chicken,” it pairs beautifully with sides that complement its rich and creamy texture. Good options include a light salad to balance the richness, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Simple, elegant sides work best to let the flavors of the chicken shine
How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken
Gather all your ingredients and let’s embark on a culinary journey. Preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), setting the stage for a dish that’s about to unfold.
Butterfly Your Chicken: Begin by placing your chicken breasts on a clean surface. Carefully slice them horizontally without cutting through completely. Open them like a book to reveal their full potential.
Sauté for Flavor: Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet. Toss in minced garlic, oregano, and thyme, and let the fragrance engulf your kitchen. Sauté the chicken until it’s golden, turning a simple breast into a masterpiece.
Bake to Perfection: After browning, pour some chicken broth into your skillet and transfer it to the oven. Let the chicken bake until it whispers tales of tenderness.
Crispy Bacon Twist: While the chicken bakes, turn your attention to the bacon. Cook it until it’s perfectly crispy, then let it rest and chop it into pieces of crunchy delight.
Pasta Al Dente: In a pot of boiling water, cook your angel hair pasta. Aim for that perfect al dente texture, a dance between firm and tender.
Sauce Creation: Once the chicken is baked, set it aside, but keep the skillet on the stove. It’s time to create a sauce that will make your heart sing. Whisk flour into the skillet, add the remaining broth, cheese, and cream, and watch as it transforms into a creamy haven.
The Final Ensemble: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and bacon to the sauce. Reintroduce the chicken to this symphony of flavors.
Plating Your Masterpiece: Serve this culinary marvel atop a bed of warm, cooked pasta. Each forkful promises a story, a memory, a moment of joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken? Yes, while the recipe uses breast halves, feel free to experiment with thighs or tenders. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for different cuts.
Is There a Substitute for Sun-Dried Tomatoes? If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing or you don’t have them on hand, consider using cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time? Absolutely! Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently. It’s a great time-saver for dinner parties.
What are the Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken? This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce and serve with gluten-free pasta or a side of vegetables.
Can I Freeze Leftover Marry Me Chicken? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
Any Tips for the Perfect Sauce Consistency? To achieve the perfect sauce thickness, let it simmer and reduce to your desired consistency, adjusting with a bit more broth or cream if needed.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth divided
- 1/2 pound bacon
- 1 16 ounce package angel hair pasta
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Gather ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Place chicken breasts on a flat work surface. Slice horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Open the 2 sides and spread them out like an open book to butterfly.
- Melt butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic, oregano, thyme. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown but not fully cooked, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet and bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the centers and juices run clear, about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on paper towels and let cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes; chop.
- At the same time, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
- Remove skillet from the oven and transfer chicken to a plate, reserving juices in the skillet. Keep chicken warm and place skillet on the stovetop.
- Whisk flour into the skillet over medium heat. Add remaining chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and whipping cream. Whisk until combined.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add bacon and chicken back into the skillet.
- Serve on top of hot cooked pasta.
