Ngishade Inkukhu

Marry Me Chicken is a dish so rich, creamy, and flavourful that it’s said to inspire proposals. This romantic and indulgent recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfectly seasoned with herbs and spices. Whether you're cooking for a special someone or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe guarantees love at first bite.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of black pepper
• 1/2 tsp of paprika
• 2 tbsp of olive oil
• 2 tbsp of unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chicken stock
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp of dried thyme
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a slight kick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

To Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides for a perfectly seasoned base.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Create the Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the delicious browned bits.
3. Add the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
4. Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the creamy sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 75°C).

4. Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the creamy sauce over the top.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Marry Me Chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta to soak up the luscious sauce.
• Pair it with a side of roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken

• Use Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: They’re more flavourful and blend seamlessly into the sauce. Drain them before chopping.
• Pound the Chicken: If the breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to ensure even cooking.
• Make Ahead: The dish can be prepared a day in advance and gently reheated. The flavours deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

This Marry Me Chicken recipe is as irresistible as it is easy to make. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fragrant herbs, it’s a meal that’s bound to impress. Whether for a date night or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is love on a plate.