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The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken: A Dish That Speaks the Language of Love

Marry Me Chicken is one of my favourite dishes to make when I want to impress someone special and it’s never let me down. This romantic recipe combines tender, pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a flavourful experience that feels like a love letter on a plate.

 As for the name, Marry Me Chicken is believed to come from the dish’s “proposal-worthy” flavours. Rumour has it that this recipe was such a hit when served to a partner that it sparked a marriage proposal on the spot! True or not, this creamy chicken dish has become a date night classic, perfect for celebrating love in every delicious bite.

5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

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My Take on Marry Me Chicken

While browsing through various recipes for Marry Me Chicken, one of the top recipes I came across was from Taming Twins, which offers a fantastic base for this dish. However, I’ve put my own spin on it by incorporating bolder seasonings and an oven-baking step that I believe really enhances the flavour. Many recipes skip the oven cook, but I find that allowing the chicken to bake for a while lets the sugars in the cream caramelise, creating a rich, slightly smoky depth that you won’t get from stovetop cooking alone.

This method not only intensifies the sauce but also results in beautifully tender chicken, with a unique flavour profile that sets my version apart. I’ve also bumped up the seasoning, using a blend of spices and herbs that brings everything together in a much bolder way.

3 Perfect Drink Pairings

1. Chardonnay

A classic pairing, Chardonnay’s buttery and oaky notes enhance the creaminess of the sauce, while its hints of citrus add brightness to the dish. Opt for an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay if you want a more refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal.

2. Pinot Noir

For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir is a fantastic choice. Its subtle cherry and earthy undertones bring out the savoury depth of the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, without overwhelming the dish. A soft, low-tannin Pinot Noir complements the tender chicken and creamy sauce perfectly.

3. Cucumber Mint Spritzer

A cucumber mint spritzer brings a cool, refreshing element that balances the creamy richness of Marry Me Chicken. Muddle fresh cucumber and mint leaves, then top with sparkling water and a splash of lime juice. This light, herbaceous drink cleanses the palate, making each bite of the dish feel as fresh as the first.

Craving more delicious recipes? Visit our homepage to explore a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting for you!

Picture of Khaldun Nisbett

Khaldun Nisbett

A Londoner with a serious love for food and Arsenal. My favourite things are traveling, coffee, and hitting the gym!

Marry Me Chicken
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Marry Me Chicken

Recipe by Khaldun NisbettCourse: MainCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

550

kcal

Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, Italian-inspired chicken dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich sauce made with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs. This flavourful and comforting recipe is perfect for a special dinner, offering a taste of Italian romance in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 4 Chicken Breasts (whole or cut into pieces)

  • 1 tbsp Chilli Flakes

  • 3 Garlic Cloves (sliced)

  • 1 tbsp Sun dried tomato puree

  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika

  • 1 tsp Turmeric

  • 1 tbsp Light Soya Sauce

  • 500 ml Double Cream

  • 70g Parmesan Cheese

  • 2 tbsp Italian Mixed Herbs

  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil

  • Sea Salt and Black Ground Pepper

Directions

  • In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chilli flakes and garlic, and simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) while you continue preparing the dish.
  • In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil and cook the chicken breasts (whole or cut into pieces) over medium-high heat for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and half cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, turmeric, mixed Italian herbs, and a splash of soy sauce. Stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken. Add the chilli flakes and garlic back into the pan, stirring everything together until well combined.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
  • Transfer everything to an oven-safe dish. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F), until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling and slightly golden on top.
  • Serve your Marry Me Chicken with your choice of pasta, rice, or vegetables, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a finishing touch. Enjoy!

Notes

  • My Favourite Rice Pairing: My favourite rice to serve with this dish is coconut rice. The creamy, slightly sweet flavour of the coconut rice complements the rich, savoury sauce of the chicken beautifully.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add extra chilli flakes or even a finely chopped fresh chilli when you're cooking the garlic and chilli flakes at the beginning.
  • Leftovers: The sauce will thicken as it sits, but if you have leftovers, you can add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up again.
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A Delicious Dish

2 weeks ago

A Delicious dish and an easy recipe to follow! Would definitely be making this again & recommend you all do too 🙂

Shelly