Picture this: the aroma of sizzling chicken wafting through your kitchen, a comforting promise of a meal that brings smiles to the table. In the whirlwind of daily life, who doesn’t crave a fuss-free dish that whispers “home”? Dive—or maybe just tiptoe—into these easy chicken dinner recipes, where simplicity meets flavor, creating a symphony of taste that your family will adore, even if the dog seems more interested in the mailman.
Steps
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then coat them in flour and shake off the excess. Arrange them on a plate, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Heat olive oil and melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until both sides are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, add heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Season the sauce with chili flakes, thyme, and oregano.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, add sundried tomatoes, and return the chicken to the skillet. Allow the sauce to thicken as it simmers for a few more minutes.
- Garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil leaves and serve hot, ideally over pasta or rice.
Ingredients
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into thin cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons (50 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken stock
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
- ½ cup (43 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ? cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2682kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 186g | Fat: 180g | Saturated Fat: 90g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 66g | Trans Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 882mg | Sodium: 3606mg | Potassium: 4494mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 6114IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 924mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- What is “Marry Me Chicken”?
- “Marry Me Chicken” is a flavorful, creamy chicken dish that’s said to be so delicious that it might inspire a marriage proposal if you serve it to your partner. The name comes from its reputation for being irresistibly tasty.
- How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
- To prepare the chicken, slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin cutlets. This helps ensure they cook evenly and quickly. You can also purchase pre-sliced chicken cutlets if preferred.
- Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that thighs may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
- What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. For a lower-carb option, serve it with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or butternut squash.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a little water to thin the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled. It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the creamy sauce may become grainy.
Tips
- When cooking the garlic, enhance the flavor by adding a small amount of oil from the sundried tomatoes.
- Avoid using single or light cream, as it won’t adequately thicken the sauce. Opt for heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency.
- For the best flavor and texture, purchase a block of parmesan cheese and grate it fresh, instead of using pre-grated options which may not melt well.
- If you don’t have pre-cut chicken cutlets, you can easily create them by slicing chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make them thinner.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed Pan or Skillet: Essential for browning the chicken and cooking the sauce.
- Wooden Spoon: Useful for deglazing the pan and stirring the sauce.
- Meat Mallet: If you need to pound chicken cutlets to a thinner consistency.
- Grater: To grate parmesan cheese if you choose to buy a block instead of pre-grated cheese.
