Marry Me Chicken (The Recipe that Went Viral)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making Marry Me Chicken, a delicious and creamy chicken dish that has gained viral popularity. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal, this recipe combines tender chicken with a rich sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and cream. Follow these simple steps to impress your loved ones with a delightful homemade dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, combine:
     • 2 tablespoons olive oil
     • 1 teaspoon onion powder
     • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
     • Salt and pepper to taste
   • Add 3 large chicken breasts (butterflied and halved) to the bowl and coat them evenly with the seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   • Heat a large heavy-based pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken.
   • Sear for 3.5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken and set aside. If necessary, do this in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

   • In the same pan, add:
     • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
     • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
     • 1 diced brown (yellow) onion
     • Salt to taste
   • Sauté for 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat until the onions are soft.

2. Add Garlic:

   • Stir in 6 minced or grated garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute, stirring regularly.

3. Deglaze the Pan:

   • Pour in 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken stock if avoiding alcohol).
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the pan.

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add:
     • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
     • 3/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock
     • 300ml thickened cream
     • 100g sun-dried tomatoes
     • 20g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
     • 1 teaspoon dried chili flakes
   • Mix well and bring to a heavy simmer.

5. Add Herbs and Thicken the Sauce:

   • Once simmering, add:
     • 3g fresh thyme (roughly chopped)
     • 3g fresh oregano (roughly chopped)
   • Reduce heat to low and let cook for 6-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Stir in additional Parmesan cheese and roughly picked fresh basil leaves.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Finish the Dish:
   • Add the seared chicken back to the pan along with any resting juices.
   • Season to taste and mix well.
   • Cook for an additional minute to ensure the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.

Step 4: Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve the Marry Me Chicken with your choice of:
     • Mashed potatoes
     • Pasta
     • Rice
     • Various vegetables
   • Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper.

Conclusion

You have now prepared Marry Me Chicken, a dish that is sure to please anyone at your dinner table. This creamy, flavorful recipe is perfect for special occasions or a cozy meal at home. Enjoy your creation, and consider pairing it with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience. Happy cooking!