Marry Me Chicken

By: Toya. L

Prepare to fall head over heels in culinary love with our Low-Carb Marry Me Chicken. This dish is an irresistible union of tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and a medley of savory flavors that will make your taste buds say, ‘I do.’

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This is one of my favorite chicken recipes. Once you try it. You will definitely understand why. This is such a flavorful dish that will have you coming back for seconds.

Picture this: succulent chicken breasts, perfectly seared to golden-brown perfection, nestled in a decadent sauce that’s velvety, rich, and brimming with a symphony of tastes. A harmonious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and earthy herbs dances on your palate with each luxurious bite. But the real magic lies in the marriage of textures and flavors that unfold in this dish. The chicken is tender, juicy, and infused with the essence of the sauce, while the sauce itself is a creamy, dreamy concoction that clings to the chicken like a loving embrace.

The saying is that this recipe tastes so good, that it will make someone want to marry you after eating it. So, if you’re looking to get married. This may be the perfect recipe for you.

Can I eat Marry Me Chicken on a Low Carb or Ketogenic diet?

• Use Chicken Breasts: Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts, which are leaner and lower in carbs compared to other cuts of chicken.
• Skip Flour or Use Low-Carb Alternatives: Traditional recipes for Marry Me Chicken often involve dredging the chicken in flour before cooking. Instead, you can skip this step or use a low-carb flour substitute like almond flour, coconut flour, or a keto-friendly baking mix.
• Watch the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes can add a significant amount of carbs to the dish. Use them sparingly or opt for sun-dried tomatoes that have been dried without added sugar.
• Serve with Low-Carb Sides: Pair your Marry Me Chicken with low-carb side dishes such as cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or a mixed green salad.

❤️What is there to love about Low Carb Marry Me Chicken❤️

1. Rich and Creamy Flavor: Marry Me Chicken is known for its rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Even in this low-carb friendly version, you can enjoy the luscious taste without the guilt of excess carbs.
2. Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts in this Low Carb Marry Me Chicken are tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. They absorb the flavors of the sauce, making every bite a delightful experience.
3. Savory Ingredients: This dish includes savory ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s truly satisfying.
4. Easy to Make: It’s a relatively simple dish to prepare, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels. You can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
5. Comfort Food: Marry Me Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for those days when you’re craving a hearty meal.

Low Carb Marry Me Chicken Ingredients:

RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Add the butter and seasonings to a nonstick saucepan: Melt the butter, and add the salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well combined.
• Season the Chicken: Add the chicken to a baking dish, and Season both sides of the chicken breasts with the butter mixture.
• Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil, and 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of butter, and add in the diced onions, the minced garlic, Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Next add in the spinach, and the sundried tomatoes.
• Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the liquid has reduced by half.
• Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and the red chili flakes. Stir the sauce until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
• Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
• Simmer: Simmer the chicken in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
• Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top of the chicken and sauce.
• Serve: Serve the “Marry Me Chicken” hot, either as-is or over fresh vegetables, I like to serve this dish with green beans, or over cauliflower rice, mashed cauliflower potatoes, or with miracle noodles depending on your preference.

*NUTRITION DISCLAIMER

TIPS FOR MARRY ME CHICKEN:

Use High-Quality Ingredients:

• Start with good-quality chicken breasts, fresh garlic, a quality brand of sundried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Quality ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Season Well: Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before searing. Proper seasoning is key to developing great flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts. They should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink in the center. Overcooking can make them dry.
• Simmer Gently: Simmer the chicken in the sauce over low heat. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce without overcooking it.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the creaminess and thickness of the sauce to your liking. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer. If it’s too thick, you can thin it with a little extra chicken broth or cream.
• Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce before returning the chicken to the skillet and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to suit your taste.

FLAVOR VARIATIONS:

• 2. Lemon Herb Marry Me Chicken:
• Incorporate lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the sauce. Lemon adds brightness, and the herbs provide a fresh, earthy aroma.
• 3. Smoky Bacon Marry Me Chicken:
• Crisp up some bacon pieces and add them to the sauce. The smokiness of bacon pairs wonderfully with the creamy tomato sauce.
• 4. Mushroom Marry Me Chicken:
• Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before making the sauce. The earthy, umami flavor of mushrooms complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 5. Pesto Marry Me Chicken:
• Swirl a spoonful of basil pesto into the sauce for a vibrant and herby kick.
• 6. Roasted Red Pepper Marry Me Chicken:
• Add chopped roasted red peppers to the sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor. This variation is particularly delicious if you enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
• 7. Caramelized Onion Marry Me Chicken:
• Caramelize thinly sliced onions in the skillet before making the sauce. The sweet and savory notes of caramelized onions add depth to the dish.
• 8. Cajun-Spiced Marry Me Chicken:
• Season the chicken with Cajun spice blend and add diced bell peppers to the sauce for a spicy and colorful twist.
• 9. Artichoke Marry Me Chicken:
• Add chopped canned or marinated artichoke hearts to the sauce for a tangy and slightly briny flavor.
• 10. Curry Marry Me Chicken: – Incorporate curry powder and a dash of coconut milk into the sauce for an Indian-inspired variation. Serve it with rice or cauliflower rice.
• 11. Mediterranean Olive Marry Me Chicken: – Add sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the sauce for a salty and tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Feel free to mix and match these flavor variations or get creative with your own combinations. Marry Me Chicken is versatile and can be customized to your taste, making it a dish you can enjoy in various ways. Just remember to watch the carb amount.

STORING, FREEZING, THAWING AND REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers and plan to consume them within a few days, you can store “Marry Me Chicken” in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
2. Label and Date: To keep track of freshness, label the container with the date it was prepared.
3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

FREEZING MARRY ME CHICKEN:

• Cool Completely: Allow the “Marry Me Chicken” to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. This prevents condensation and ice crystals from forming inside the container.
• Portion and Package: You can choose to freeze individual servings or the entire dish. Use airtight, freezer-safe containers, or vacuum-sealed bags to prevent freezer burn. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the packaging.
• Label and Date: Clearly label the container or bag with the contents and the date it was frozen.
• Flat Freezing: If possible, lay the portions flat in the freezer to save space and allow for even freezing. Once they are initially frozen, you can stack them if needed.

THAWING AND REHEATING:

• Thaw in the Refrigerator: Ideally, thaw the frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight for even thawing.
• Reheat Gently: Reheat the thawed “Marry Me Chicken” gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a little chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
• Serve Hot: Serve the reheated dish hot, and garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

• 1. Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
• The name “Marry Me Chicken” is often used because this creamy and flavorful chicken dish is so delicious that it’s said to be a marriage proposal in a meal. Its rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors are meant to impress and delight.
• 2. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken for this recipe?
• While the recipe typically calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken if you prefer. Just be aware that cooking times may need to be adjusted, and you’ll want to ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature to be fully cooked.
• 3. Can I substitute another type of protein for chicken?
• You can experiment with different proteins, such as boneless pork chops or tofu, but the cooking times and techniques may need to be adapted accordingly. Chicken is commonly used in this recipe because it pairs well with the creamy tomato sauce.
• 9. Is Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
• The core ingredients of “Marry Me Chicken” are naturally gluten-free. However, if you plan to serve it with pasta or other side dishes, be sure to choose gluten-free options for those components.
• 10. Can I make this dish dairy-free? – You can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free substitutes for heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Coconut milk or almond milk creamer are common dairy-free alternatives for cream, and there are various dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternatives available.