Jake Harper
Marry Me Chicken, also known as Tuscan Chicken, is a creamy chicken dish with a sun-dried tomato sauce. The dish is typically made with thin chicken cutlets, seared and cooked in a creamy white wine sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil. The sun-dried tomatoes used in the recipe are packed in oil, which is also used in the dish to add extra flavour. While the traditional recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes, some variations use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. The dish is often served with mashed potatoes and a side salad, and is said to be so delicious that it received marriage proposal-level praise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of tomatoes | Sun-dried tomatoes are traditionally used, but some prefer fresh tomatoes for their juiciness. |
| Tomato preparation | Chop the tomatoes if they are not already cut into thin strips (julienne-cut). |
| Tomato packaging | Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred for their flavour. The oil can be used for cooking the chicken and making the sauce. |
| Chicken type | Boneless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used, but some recipes call for chicken cutlets. |
| Chicken preparation | Chicken breasts should be filleted and pounded to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. |
| Chicken cooking method | Chicken is typically seared or pan-fried and then cooked in the sauce. |
| Sauce ingredients | Heavy cream, broth, Parmesan or Pecorino, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, garlic, spinach, and white wine or white wine vinegar. |
| Sauce texture | The sauce should be creamy, luscious, and not too heavy. |
| Sauce preparation | The sauce should be allowed to reduce and thicken before adding the chicken. |
| Serving suggestions | Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a salad. |
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What You'll Learn
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavour
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil. It is a simple, yet impressive dish that is said to have been created by Lindsay Funston, an editor at Delish, back in 2016. The recipe went viral, with countless riffs, and has been a staple in many households ever since.
When it comes to the type of sun-dried tomatoes to use, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are recommended for extra flavour. The oil they are packed in can be used in the dish, adding a boost of flavour to the dish. This is a great way to use what you have on hand and reduce waste. If you are using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, be sure to add some of that oil to your pan when searing the chicken.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil tend to have great flavour, and using the oil in the pan can help to prevent the chicken from sticking. This is especially useful if you are using a stainless steel pan, as it is recommended to heat the pan first before adding the oil, allowing it to skate on the surface and prevent sticking.
If you are unable to find sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, you can still use the dry variety. Simply swap in some extra-virgin olive oil for the oil from the jar. This will still allow you to create a delicious Marry Me Chicken dish, with the same great texture and flavour.
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Fresh tomatoes are a good alternative to sun-dried tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are a great alternative to sun-dried tomatoes in Marry Me Chicken. This creamy chicken dish with tomatoes, garlic, and thyme is a delicious and simple recipe. While the traditional recipe calls for sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes can be used to create a different flavour profile and texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes have a distinct taste due to the chemical changes that occur during the drying process. The evaporation of water and the addition of salt result in the breakdown of molecular structures, leading to a different aroma and flavour. The salt used in the drying process also serves as a desiccant, antimicrobial agent, and flavour modifier. Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes are often packed in oil, further enhancing their flavour and prolonging their shelf life.
On the other hand, fresh tomatoes offer a juicier and "fresher" taste. When using fresh tomatoes in Marry Me Chicken, it is recommended to finely dice them and drain any excess juices. This ensures that the sauce maintains the right consistency and texture. Fresh tomatoes also allow for more control over the salt content, as sun-dried tomatoes can sometimes be too salty for some palates.
Another option is to use canned petite diced tomatoes, which are widely available and provide a similar texture to fresh tomatoes. They are smaller and less chunky than regular canned diced tomatoes, making them a better substitute in this particular dish.
Ultimately, the choice between sun-dried and fresh tomatoes depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile. Fresh tomatoes offer a juicy, vibrant flavour, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a more intense, earthy taste. Both options provide nutritional benefits, including vitamins C, K, and potassium, as well as antioxidants.
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Chicken cutlets are the best cut of chicken to use
Chicken cutlets are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and quickly, ensuring that the chicken is tender and juicy. The cutlets are typically filleted and pounded to about 1/2" thickness, creating a uniform size that allows for consistent cooking. This results in a dish that is not only flavorful but also has a pleasing texture.
Additionally, chicken cutlets are versatile and can be adapted to various recipes. For instance, the Marry Me Chicken recipe can be modified by adding vegetables like fresh kale, mushrooms, or spinach, or even substituting the chicken with salmon fillets for a Marry Me Fish variation. The versatility of chicken cutlets makes them a fantastic base for experimentation and customization.
Chicken cutlets are also a convenient option, as they can be purchased thinly sliced or easily prepared at home by halving chicken breasts. This saves time and effort in the kitchen, making it a quick and efficient dish to prepare. The simplicity of using chicken cutlets makes Marry Me Chicken an accessible and enjoyable recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
Finally, chicken cutlets are a healthy choice as they are a lean protein source. When combined with the antioxidant-rich sun-dried tomatoes and other nutritious ingredients, Marry Me Chicken becomes a well-balanced and flavorful meal. The combination of taste, convenience, and health benefits makes chicken cutlets the superior choice for this beloved dish.
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White wine is an important ingredient for the sauce
Marry Me Chicken is a quick and easy chicken dish that combines chicken breasts with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The dish gets its name from the idea that it is so delicious that if served to a significant other, they will propose on the spot.
The sauce is a key component of Marry Me Chicken, and white wine is an important ingredient in creating it. The wine adds a subtle flavour to the sauce and helps to cut through the richness of the cream, butter and cheese. It also helps to keep the sauce cohesive, preventing the fats from separating.
A dry white wine is recommended for the sauce, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. The wine is added to the pan after the chicken has been cooked and before the other sauce ingredients. It is important to reduce the wine by half to cook off the alcohol and concentrate the flavours.
If you don't want to use wine, it can be substituted with chicken broth or stock. A small amount of white wine vinegar or lemon juice can also be added to the broth to replicate the brightness and acidity that the wine brings to the dish.
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The dish is best cooked in a stainless steel pan
Marry Me Chicken, also known as Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, is a delicious dish made with thin chicken cutlets that are seared and cooked in a creamy white wine sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and basil. While various types of cookware can be used to prepare this mouth-watering meal, a stainless steel pan is often the best choice.
When cooking Marry Me Chicken, it is essential to achieve a good sear on the chicken cutlets. Stainless steel pans are ideal for this purpose due to their higher thermal mass, which enables better searing and more effective heat retention. The high heat required for searing can damage the non-stick coating on other types of pans, making stainless steel a more durable and suitable option.
Additionally, stainless steel pans promote the creation of fond, the delicious browned bits that form on the pan during cooking. Fond adds depth of flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste experience. By allowing the chicken to stick slightly during searing and then naturally releasing when properly browned, stainless steel pans contribute to the desired fond development.
Another advantage of using a stainless steel pan for Marry Me Chicken is its compatibility with the cooking oil typically used in this recipe. Sun-dried tomatoes are often packed in oil, and this flavorful oil is added to the pan when searing the chicken. Stainless steel pans can withstand higher temperatures, making them suitable for heating oil without the excessive smoking that can occur with other types of cookware.
Furthermore, stainless steel pans are durable and versatile. They can be used on various heat sources, including gas stoves and induction cooktops, making them a reliable choice for cooks with different kitchen setups. Stainless steel is also known for its longevity, ensuring that your pan will last for many delicious batches of Marry Me Chicken.
In conclusion, while various cookware options are available, the advantages of using a stainless steel pan for Marry Me Chicken are significant. Its ability to provide a superior sear, promote fond development, withstand high temperatures, and offer durability and versatility makes it the ideal choice for this delectable dish. So, the next time you're ready to whip up some Marry Me Chicken, reach for your trusty stainless steel pan and get ready to savor the flavors!
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Frequently asked questions
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are recommended for Marry Me Chicken as they are more flavourful. You can also use the oil from the jar to cook the chicken and make the sauce.
Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of sun-dried tomatoes, but this may affect the quality of the dish. If using fresh tomatoes, it is recommended to use petite diced tomatoes or finely dice larger tomatoes and drain them of excess juice.
Yes, you can use dried sun-dried tomatoes without oil. Just substitute the oil from the jar with extra-virgin olive oil.
The amount of sun-dried tomato oil to use depends on your preference for flavour. Start by adding a small amount and adjust as needed.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes after browning the chicken and cooking the shallots or garlic. Increase the heat to high and add the wine, scraping up any browned bits, before adding the cream and other ingredients to make the sauce.
