Sandra This Bobby Flay Marry Me Chicken Recipe is a creamy and romantic recipe, which is made with sundried tomatoes and heavy cream. It’s the perfect date night dinner, ready in about 35 minutes.
Bobby Flay Marry Me Chicken Ingredients
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Four 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- One 6.3-ounce jar sundried tomatoes in oil, drained and roughly chopped
- One 0.4-ounce chicken bouillon cube
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 2 ounces)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
How To Make Marry Me Chicken
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Season generously with salt. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Cook undisturbed until golden brown on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 5 minutes more. Remove the chicken to a plate (it does not need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and the sliced shallot to the same skillet. Cook until tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits (“fond”) from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, chicken bouillon cube, heavy cream, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir constantly until the bouillon cube dissolves completely.
- Simmer the Chicken: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer over medium-low. Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C), about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Divide the spaghetti among 4 dinner plates. Top with the chicken and a generous amount of the creamy sauce.
Recipe Tips
- What is the secret ingredient? The chicken bouillon cube is the flavor powerhouse here. It adds a concentrated savory depth (umami) that salt alone cannot provide. Make sure to stir well so it dissolves fully.
- Why grate your own Parmesan? Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a gritty sauce. For a silky sauce, always buy a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. They stay juicy longer than breasts. Just sear them for a few minutes longer on each side.
- Is it spicy? The 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth, not a burning heat. If you are sensitive to spice, you can reduce it to a pinch or omit it entirely.
What To Serve With Marry Me Chicken
While this recipe includes pasta, you can swap the carb or add greens for a balanced meal.
- Carbs: Mashed potatoes, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Veg: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
How To Store Marry Me Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken when cold but will loosen up when reheated.
- Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce back to the right consistency.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when thawed.
Bobby Flay Marry Me Chicken Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, assuming 4 servings)
- Calories: ~850 kcal
- Total Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 55g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 52g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The legend goes that this dish is so incredibly delicious that if you make it for your partner, they will propose to you on the spot!
Do I have to use sundried tomatoes in oil?
Yes, the oil-packed tomatoes are tender and flavorful. Dry-packed tomatoes are too chewy for a quick sauce. Be sure to drain the oil before chopping them.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. If you use half-and-half, be careful not to let the sauce boil vigorously, or it might curdle.
Bobby Flay Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Description
A viral sensation for a reason: juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy parmesan and sundried tomato sauce, served over pasta.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti until al dente; drain.
- Season chicken with S&P. Sear in 2 tbsp oil for 5 mins per side; remove.
- Sauté shallot in remaining oil (2 min), then garlic (1 min).
- Deglaze with broth. Add tomatoes, bouillon, cream, oregano, pepper flakes, and salt.
- Simmer, return chicken to pan, and cook 5-10 mins until chicken is done (165°F).
- Stir in parmesan and basil. Serve over pasta.
Notes
- Don’t skip the bouillon cube; it’s the flavor booster.
- Use a large skillet so the sauce reduces properly.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Bobby Flay Marry Me Chicken Recipe
