If you’re looking for a recipe that combines rich flavours, creamy textures, and a touch of romance, look no further than Marry Me Chicken. This irresistible chicken dish has quickly become a fan favourite for its savoury flame roasted red pepper, creamy sauce, tender chicken breasts, and unforgettable taste. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a special occasion, or just want to impress your family, Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit.
But what makes this dish so special? Let’s explore the recipe and all the reasons why Marry Me Chicken should be your go-to meal for any occasion.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
The story goes that the dish is so delicious, that one bite could lead to a proposal of marriage – hence being called – Marry Me Chicken! Worth a try if you’re looking for love this Valentines day – or any day of the year! It’s a simple yet indulgent recipe that features chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with flame roasted red peppers, tomato, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of savoury herbs. The combination of flavours creates a mouth-watering, comforting dish that’s hard to resist.
This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s versatile—pair it with pasta, rice, or vegetables to create the perfect meal.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Easy to Make: Despite its indulgent flavours, Marry Me Chicken is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s a one-pan dish that comes together in about 30 minutes!
- Irresistible Flavour: The creamy sauce, with its flame grilled red peppers and rich Parmesan, is a perfect complement to the tender chicken, making every bite heavenly.
- Impress Your Loved Ones: Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a family gathering, Marry Me Chicken is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
- Customisable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste, adding extra veggies or adjusting the spice level.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 TBSP plain flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1 TBSP butter
- 1 red onion – diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250mls chicken stock
- 60mls coconut cream
- 1 TBSP tomato paste
- 2 Flame Roasted Red Peppers from a jar, chopped
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chives or watercress chopped for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Follow these simple steps to create a mouth-watering meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe:
- Prepare the Chicken: Chop the chicken into bit sized pieces before placing it into a bowl with the flour, salt and pepper and sweet smoked paprika – mixing well to coat.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion for around 5 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add a splash of the chicken stock and stir to deglaze the pan. Gradually adding the rest of the stock to the pan, while stirring. Add the coconut cream, flame grilled red peppers, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to heat up before adding the chicken back to the pan.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, and let it simmer in the sauce for another 8-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of colour and flavour. Serve the dish over a cooked grain such as quinoa or buckwheat groats with a generous helping of steamed vegetables.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken
- Use Bone-In Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While boneless breasts work great for this recipe, using chicken thighs will give you a richer, juicier result. Bone-in chicken thighs will also hold up better in the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add Veggies: If you want to bulk up the dish, try adding some fresh spinach, mushrooms, or courgette into the sauce. These veggies complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Spice It Up: For a little extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile, and there are endless ways to serve it. Here are some of my favourite sides:
- Pasta: Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, linguine, or penne. You can spiralise courgette for a gluten-free lower carb alternative.
- Rice: Serve it with white rice, brown rice, or even a fragrant risotto to soak up all the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent option, pair the chicken with buttery mashed sweet potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Steamed Vegetables or Salad: Balance out the richness of the sauce with a light side, such as steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Why You Should Make Marry Me Chicken Tonight
If you’re looking to make a meal that’s easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and sure to impress, Marry Me Chicken is the answer. This recipe has become a favourite for good reason—it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet dining.
So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Whether you’re serving it for a date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, Marry Me Chicken is the dish everyone will rave about. And who knows? It might just inspire a proposal too!
FAQ’s
Can I freeze the sauce?
I recommend making the sauce and using immediately or storing in the fridge for a few days in a sealed container. Creamy sauces don’t tend to thaw very well.
Can I use this marry me sauce with other proteins?
Yes! Marry me sauce tastes great with salmon, cod, tofu or over roasted vegetables. It’s a very versatile sauce which goes with almost anything!
Can I use a different cheese to Parmesan?
Parmigiano Reggiono is a good substitute for parmesan cheese – a little goes a long way due to it’s strong flavour.
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 large skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- 1 heaped TBSP plain flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
- 2 TBSP olive oil
- 1 TBSP butter
- 1 red onion peeled and diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 250 mls chicken stock
- 60 mls coconut cream
- 1 TBSP tomato paste
- 2-3 flame roasted red peppers chopped
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional for a bit of heat
- 1 handful Fresh parsley chives or watercress chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Chop the chicken into bit sized pieces before placing it into a bowl with the flour, salt and pepper and sweet smoked paprika – mixing well to coat.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion for around 5 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add a splash of the chicken stock and stir to deglaze the pan. Gradually adding the rest of the stock to the pan, while stirring. Add the coconut cream, flame roasted red peppers, tomato paste, Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to heat up before adding the chicken back to the pan.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken, and let it simmer in the sauce for another 8-10 minutes to ensure the chicken is cooked through and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of colour and flavour. Serve the dish over a cooked grain such as quinoa or buckwheat groats with a generous helping of steamed vegetables.
Notes
• Pasta: Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, whether it’s spaghetti, linguine, or penne. You can spiralise courgette for a gluten-free lower carb alternative.
• Rice: Serve it with white rice, brown rice, or even a fragrant risotto to soak up all the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: For an extra indulgent option, pair the chicken with buttery mashed sweet potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Steamed Vegetables or Salad: Balance out the richness of the sauce with a light side, such as steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad.