Description
Marry Me Chicken brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with its irresistible blend of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and rich cream sauce. Romantic dinners become effortless when you savor this elegant, restaurant-quality meal that promises to charm dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Flour and Seasoning:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary canvas by gently patting chicken breasts with a paper towel, then lavishly season with salt and black pepper before delicately coating with a whisper of flour, ensuring excess falls away.
- Ignite a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, introducing the flour-kissed chicken and searing until a golden-bronze exterior emerges, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once achieving a beautiful caramelization, transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.
- In the same skillet, transform the butter into a silky pool, welcoming minced garlic to dance and release its aromatic essence for one minute. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan, creating a luxurious sauce through gentle whisking until harmoniously combined.
- Elevate the sauce’s complexity by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer softly, marrying flavors for 2-3 minutes.
- Tenderly fold fresh spinach into the creamy landscape, watching it wilt and surrender to the warmth of the sauce.
- Reunite the seared chicken with the sauce, nestling each piece and spooning the decadent liquid over the top. Continue simmering until chicken reaches a perfect 165°F internal temperature.
- Present the dish adorned with fresh basil or parsley, accompanied by pasta, rice, or crusty bread to capture every luxurious drop of sauce.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising creamy consistency.
- Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them for a milder sauce.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and slightly earthier taste.
- Opt for gluten-free flour or cornstarch when dredging to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Enhance protein content by adding cooked white beans or grilled shrimp to the sauce for extra variety.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish and add a vibrant, fresh dimension to the rich sauce.
- Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent separation and ensure smooth, velvety texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg