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INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion. It’s easy to make and sure to impress your loved ones. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast (3 larger breasts)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons ghee or butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato strips
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken:
    • Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
  2. Coat the Chicken:
    • Lightly dredge the chicken breasts in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the Ghee or Butter:
    • In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of ghee or butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Sauté the Garlic:
    • In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  2. Add the Chicken Stock:
    • Pour in 1 cup of chicken stock, stirring to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
  3. Add the Cream and Cheese:
    • Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Season the Sauce:
    • Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce. Stir to combine.
  5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
    • Stir in 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomato strips.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

  1. Return the Chicken:
    • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  2. Simmer:
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish:
    • Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
  2. Serve:
    • Serve the Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables. Enjoy this romantic and flavorful dish!

Cooking Notes and Tips

  • Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add extra flavor, but make sure to drain them well.

Variations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken

  • Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.

Marry Me Chicken with Spinach

  • Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering for added greens and flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken? A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken? A: This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes? A: Yes, you can use fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, but the flavor will be slightly different. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the chicken stock.

Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or romantic dinner. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and burst of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s sure to impress your loved ones. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful meal with your family and friends!