Marry Me Chicken
Lisa Street
When the smell of chicken wafts through the air, it’s hard not to get a bit sentimental, right? My journey with cooking started when I was a kid in the kitchen with my grandmother, just watching her work magic with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 550 kcal
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves torn
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 6 tablespoons plain all-purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 large boneless and skinless chicken breasts cut lengthwise into thin fillets
- ¼ cup dry white wine for extra depth in the sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- Zest of ½ lemon to brighten the flavors
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Step 2: Searing the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter combined with the olive oil. The mix gives a great flavor base. Once hot, add the chicken fillets to the pan. Allow them to sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t rush this step; browning adds depth!
Step 3: Building the Flavor
When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly. Next, whisk in the flour to create a roux that will thicken our sauce.
Step 4: Creating the Sauce
To the roux, gradually add the chicken broth and wine while stirring continuously. Scrape any browned bits off the skillet to fully utilize the flavors. Once combined, allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Now, add the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, oregano, basil, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese to the sauce. Mix well until everything is integrated beautifully. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for a minute or two.
Step 6: Marrying the Chicken with the Sauce
Finally, nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over the top. Allow it to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, letting the chicken absorb all the flavors.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the heat. Plate your lovely chicken and sauce, garnishing it with extra basil if desired. Serve it warm with your favorite side, and don’t forget the bread to soak up that incredible sauce!
To make your cooking experience even better, here are some handy tips:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil enhances the dish dramatically. If you can’t find fresh but have dried, that works, too—just use a bit less.
- Choosing Chicken: For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking. Pull it off as soon as it's golden brown and just cooked through.
- Substituting Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the texture will be thinner.
- Make Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook it in advance and reheat gently while adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Pair It Right: Think about side dishes that complement the creaminess—steamed veggies or fresh salads balance its richness beautifully.
Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 48gFat: 36gFiber: 1g