Introduction:
Marry Me Chicken is an irresistible, creamy, and slightly tangy chicken dish, perfect for romantic dinners or anytime you want to impress your loved ones. The rich combination of mascarpone cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and paprika makes this dish so tasty that it might just lead to a proposal! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delicious meal, this dish has it all: flavor, comfort, and elegance.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the mascarpone cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Allow it to simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.
- Combine and Bake:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- Make it lighter: You can substitute mascarpone cheese with cream cheese for a lighter version of the sauce.
- For extra flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of white wine to the sauce for added brightness.
- Pairing suggestion: This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Enjoy this mouthwatering, creamy chicken dish that will definitely make your dinner moments unforgettable! The combination of flavors will have everyone asking for the recipe—and who knows, maybe even a proposal!