Marry Me Chicken is a delicious and creamy chicken dish that has gained popularity due to its rich flavors and easy preparation. This recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The dish is garnished with fresh basil, adding a touch of freshness to its savory profile. This flavorful combination is said to be so irresistible that it could inspire a marriage proposal, hence the charming name "Marry Me Chicken."

While the exact origins of Marry Me Chicken are unclear, it has become a beloved recipe in modern American cuisine. The dish likely emerged from the trend of creating simple yet indulgent meals that can be prepared quickly for a romantic dinner at home. Its popularity has been fueled by social media and food bloggers, who have shared various adaptations of the recipe. The name "Marry Me Chicken" reflects its reputation as a dish that impresses and delights, making it a favorite choice for special occasions and date nights.

Ingredients:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1/2 cup chicken broth

- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat Oven:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare Chicken:

  - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

3. Sear Chicken:

  - In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

  - Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Make Sauce:

  - In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

  - Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

  - Add the grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

  - Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top of each piece.

6. Bake:

  - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Garnish and Serve:

  - Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

  - Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken with your choice of sides, such as pasta, rice, or a fresh salad!

Nutrition Value:

1. 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (per breast, approx. 6 oz)

  - Calories: 165

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 31g

  - Fat: 3.6g

  - Sodium: 74mg

  - Cholesterol: 85mg

  - Vitamins: B6, B12

  - Minerals: Selenium, Phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: High in protein, low in fat, supports muscle growth and repair, essential for metabolic functions.

2. 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

  - Calories: 119

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 13.5g (2g saturated)

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: E, K

  - Minerals: Iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Healthy fats, anti-inflammatory properties, supports heart health.

3. Salt and Pepper, to Taste

  - Calories: 0 (negligible)

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Varies with amount

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor, pepper may have antioxidant properties.

4. 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced (per clove)

  - Calories: 4

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 1mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: C

  - Minerals: Manganese, Selenium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Boosts immune system, anti-inflammatory, improves heart health.

5. 1 Cup Heavy Cream

  - Calories: 821

  - Carbohydrates: 6.6g

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 88g (55g saturated)

  - Sodium: 81mg

  - Cholesterol: 332mg

  - Vitamins: A, D

  - Minerals: Calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in fats, provides energy, supports absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

6. 1/2 Cup Chicken Broth

  - Calories: 7

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0.3g

  - Sodium: 343mg (varies with brand)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor, low in calories, can be a source of electrolytes.

7. 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

  - Calories: 216

  - Carbohydrates: 3.3g

  - Protein: 19g

  - Fat: 14g (9g saturated)

  - Sodium: 780mg

  - Cholesterol: 44mg

  - Vitamins: A, B12

  - Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus

  - Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and calcium, supports bone health.

8. 1/2 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped

  - Calories: 69

  - Carbohydrates: 15g

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Sodium: 273mg (varies with brand)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: C, K

  - Minerals: Iron, Potassium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, supports immune function, high in fiber.

9. 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano

  - Calories: 3

  - Carbohydrates: 0.7g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

  - Sodium: 0.4mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: K

  - Minerals: Calcium, Iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties, rich in antioxidants.

10. 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes

  - Calories: 3

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0.2g

  - Sodium: 0.6mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: A, E

  - Minerals: Iron, Magnesium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Boosts metabolism, contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties.

11. Fresh Basil, Chopped (for Garnish, per 1/4 cup)

  - Calories: 1

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: A, K

  - Minerals: Calcium, Iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, adds fresh flavor and aroma.

Nutritional Summary

Marry Me Chicken is a balanced dish combining lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and cream, and rich flavors from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of fresh herbs like basil not only enhances taste but also provides essential vitamins and antioxidants, making this a nutritious and delicious meal option.