Marry Me Chicken: A Keto-Friendly Dish?

Marry Me Chicken is a chicken dish that gets its name from how the ingredients marry together. It is made with chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, seasoned with herbs and spices. The recipe typically includes garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. It is often served with low-carb pasta or noodles, such as zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. This dish is keto-friendly, with some recipes having as few as 3 net carbs per serving.

Marry Me Chicken recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Flour
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic
• Chicken or vegetable stock
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chilli flakes
• Dried oregano
• Thyme
• Sundried tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves

Method:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and dredge in flour.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, then set aside.
• Saute the garlic for about a minute until fragrant.
• Add the chicken stock and deglaze the pan, scraping any bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese to the skillet, and allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes.
• Season the sauce with chilli flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Add the sundried tomatoes and chicken to the skillet, and let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve over pasta, rice, or low-carb alternatives such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Tips:

• For a thicker sauce, use chicken cutlets or pound the chicken breasts to make them thinner.
• For extra flavour, use sundried tomato oil when sauteing the garlic.
• Grate the parmesan cheese yourself instead of using store-bought grated parmesan for better flavour and melting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Ingredients and substitutions

Marry Me Chicken is a chicken dish cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, with Italian spices and herbs. It is a keto-friendly dish with a few simple ingredients that can be substituted as needed.

Chicken

The recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs can be used as a substitute. The cook time may vary depending on the cut of meat chosen. For even cooking, the chicken breasts can be sliced in half to make cutlets, or flattened. For extra flavour, the chicken can be coated in a low-carb flour, such as almond flour or oat fibre, before cooking.

Seasoning

The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes red pepper flakes, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. The red pepper flakes add a slight kick to the dish without being overpowering.

Oil

A neutral cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, is used for sautéing the chicken.

Garlic

Fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavour, but jarred minced garlic can be used for convenience.

Broth

Chicken broth is used in the recipe, but vegetable broth or stock can also be used. If using a broth that is not reduced-sodium, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. Bone broth can be used for a richer flavour.

Cream

Heavy cream is used to make the sauce rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk can be used, but the flavour will be different.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness to the dish. Dry-packed tomatoes are preferred, but jarred or canned tomatoes can also be used. If using jarred tomatoes, choose those packed in oil, then drain and chop into julienne-style pieces. Alternatively, you can make your own sun-dried tomatoes.

Cheese

Parmesan cheese is used to thicken the sauce and add a subtle nutty, umami flavour. Freshly grated parmesan will give a fresher taste, but pre-grated parmesan in a shaker can be used for convenience. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Optional Ingredients

Additional ingredients that can be added include spinach, butter, white wine, and fresh basil for garnish. For extra flavour and spice, add-ins such as Kalamata olives, capers, and fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary can be included.

How to make Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a delicious, creamy chicken dish that is surprisingly easy to make. It's perfect for a date night or a family dinner and can be served with a variety of sides. Here's a detailed recipe to guide you through the process of making this mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast tenders or thin-sliced chicken breasts
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme or dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced or thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4-1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional ingredients for added flavour:

• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Butter
• Red onion
• White wine
• Spinach
• Bacon
• Flour
• Angel hair pasta or other types of pasta

Instructions:

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices like paprika and onion powder for extra flavour.
• If your chicken breasts are thick, place them on a flat surface and slice them horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open them up like a book to create a butterflied piece of chicken. This ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or avocado oil.
• Place the chicken into the heated skillet and sear for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same pan, add butter and let it melt. You can also use the oil from the previous step if you prefer.
• Add minced or thinly sliced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
• If you're using red onion, add it now and sauté until tender.
• Deglaze the pan by adding white wine or chicken broth/stock. Use a spatula or whisk to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Pour in the chicken broth/stock, heavy whipping cream, and sun-dried or petite diced tomatoes.
• Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue mixing until the sauce thickens.
• Add in the ground thyme or dried oregano and red pepper flakes, and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

• Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
• Put the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F.

Step 5: Serving

Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve it with your choice of sides.

Sides and Variations:

Marry Me Chicken is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides. Here are some options:

• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta (angel hair, zucchini noodles, or Shirataki noodles)
• Rice
• Oven-roasted asparagus or garlic green beans
• Salad
• Cauliflower rice
• Broccoli
• Spinach

For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also add other ingredients like spinach, bacon, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.

Now you have a complete guide to making Marry Me Chicken. Impress your loved ones with this mouth-watering dish and enjoy the flavours of juicy chicken coated in a creamy tomato sauce!

What to serve it with

Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy dish with a burst of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes. It is a chicken recipe that is both savoury and sweet, and is often served with a side of vegetables, noodles, or rice.

For a low-carb option, you can serve it with zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or cauliflower rice. If you're not counting carbs, you can also serve it with pasta or rice.

• Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, roasted cauliflower, garlicky roasted broccoli, or a mix of oven-roasted vegetables would pair well with the chicken.
• Noodles: Zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, or baked spaghetti squash are lighter options that can be served with the chicken.
• Rice: Cauliflower rice is a popular low-carb option, but white or brown rice can also be served.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower can soak up the sauce. Oven-baked potato cubes, roasted rutabaga, or fried radishes can also be served as a potato substitute.
• Salad: An Italian salad, such as a copycat Olive Garden salad, would complement the Italian flavours in the chicken.
• Steamed vegetables: Keep things simple with your favourite steamed vegetables on the side.
• Other sides: Keto loaded ranch cauliflower, Greek cauliflower rice, or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

So, whether you're looking for a low-carb option or something more hearty, there are plenty of sides to choose from to complement the delicious Marry Me Chicken.

Storing and reheating instructions

Marry Me Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To store, place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it chilled.

When it comes to reheating, you have a few options. You can warm the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating it in short bursts until the desired temperature is reached.

If you're looking to freeze Marry Me Chicken, it's best to transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to 3 months. Before reheating, be sure to thaw it in the fridge. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not retain its original consistency after freezing and reheating.

Frequently asked questions