Looking for a dish that’s sure to impress? Marry Me Chicken is a delightful recipe that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy sauce that will leave everyone asking for more. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal, and it’s easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients List
Marry Me Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- A few sprigs of thyme
- 1 14.5-ounce jar petite diced tomatoes, drained thoroughly
- Salt to taste
Chicken Ingredients
- A batch of air fryer chicken (you can use store-bought or homemade)
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing Marry Me Chicken, having the right kitchen tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you will need:
- Skillet or Large Frying Pan: For making the sauce and cooking the chicken.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the garlic and preparing the ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the right quantities of each ingredient.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining and prepping ingredients.
Having these tools on hand will set you up for a successful Marry Me Chicken cooking experience.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Chicken
- Cooking the Chicken:
Start by preparing a batch of air fryer chicken. If you prefer to make it from scratch, simply season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. - Set Aside:
Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside on a plate. This will be added to the sauce later.
Preparing the Sauce
- Melt the Butter:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Ensure the butter is fully melted and slightly bubbling before adding the next ingredient. - Sauté the Garlic:
Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, but not burnt.
Making the Marry Me Sauce
Creating the sauce is a crucial step that brings all the flavors together. Follow these steps to achieve a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce for your Marry Me Chicken.
Cooking the Sauce
- Add the Tomato Paste:
Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste with the sautéed garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste is well incorporated and slightly caramelized, enhancing the flavor. - Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine. This helps deglaze the pan and incorporate all the flavors from the garlic and tomato paste. - Add the Heavy Cream:
Slowly add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. - Incorporate the Diced Tomatoes:
Add the drained 14.5-ounce jar of petite diced tomatoes to the sauce. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. - Season with Thyme:
Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the skillet. This will infuse the sauce with a subtle herbal flavor. Season with salt to taste, adjusting as needed.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure they are well coated. - Simmer Together:
Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while ensuring it stays tender and juicy.
By following these steps, you’ll create a delicious Marry Me Chicken dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor.
Serving and Garnishing the Marry Me Chicken
The final steps involve presenting your Marry Me Chicken in a way that’s both appetizing and beautiful. Follow these tips to serve and garnish your dish perfectly.
Serving the Chicken
- Plate the Chicken:
Transfer the chicken breasts to individual serving plates or a large serving platter. Make sure to spoon plenty of the rich, creamy sauce over each piece of chicken. - Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
For a touch of color and fresh flavor, garnish the chicken with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional thyme leaves.
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that complements the rich sauce perfectly. - Rice or Pasta:
Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. - Steamed or Roasted Vegetables:
Add some steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
Storing Leftovers
- Cool the Chicken:
Allow any leftovers to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. - Refrigerate:
Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Freezing (Optional):
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Place them in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheating in the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. - Reheating in the Microwave:
Place the chicken and sauce on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe cover or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments until warmed through, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Tips for Maintaining Quality
- Avoid Overheating:
Overheating can cause the chicken to become dry and the sauce to lose its creamy texture. Reheat gently for the best results. - Use Fresh Garnishes:
Add fresh garnishes like chopped herbs after reheating to restore some of the fresh flavors and visual appeal.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a delightful and impressive dish that’s sure to win hearts. With its tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce, it’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy family dinner. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily recreate this delicious recipe in your own kitchen.
Remember, the key to a great Marry Me Chicken lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care taken during preparation and cooking. Enjoy your homemade creation and don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs or seasonings to make the recipe your own. Happy cooking!