Introduction to Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Why this dish might just win your heart
If you're on the hunt for a delightful weeknight meal that feels sophisticated yet comforting, then Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken might just be your new go-to. This dish is a true fusion of rich flavors, featuring tender chicken smothered in a lush, creamy sauce brimming with vibrant Tuscan herbs, garlic, and fresh tomatoes.
Imagine serving a meal that not only pleases the palate but also makes you feel like you've embraced the essence of Italian dining. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will surely have everyone gathering around the table, eager to savor every bite. If you've ever wondered how food can create memorable moments, this dish is a perfect example.
One of the best parts? The recipe is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for busy professionals or budding home chefs. Plus, with options for dairy-free and vegan alternatives, everyone can enjoy this heartwarming meal, regardless of dietary restrictions. Don't believe us? Try it out for yourself, and you might just find yourself proposing to this creamy, dreamy chicken tonight!
Ready to dive into the recipe?
Let’s explore how to whip up this delicious meal that promises to impress and satisfy!
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Chicken and Seasonings
The star of your Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken is definitely the chicken itself! Start with 2 lbs. of organic chicken breasts—feel free to swap in thighs or drumsticks if that’s more your style. To elevate the taste right from the get-go, you’ll want to marinate the chicken with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. For an added flavor boost, 2 teaspoons of On Everything All-Purpose Blend works wonders; you can buy it or whip up a homemade version!
Sauce Components
Now onto the dreamy sauce that brings everything together. Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for that aromatic base. Stir in 1 ½ tablespoons of Tuscan Marry Me blend, which can also be homemade. The sauce gets its lovely creaminess from 1 ½ cups of organic heavy cream balanced with 1 cup of chicken broth. Freshly squeezed ½ lemon adds brightness, and of course, don’t forget 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan for that rich finish! To amp up the dish, toss in 1-2 cups of grape or cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of chopped kale once the sauce is simmering.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to a family-friendly dinner that’s full of flavor! If you want to personalize your own Tuscan blend or add herbs, check out these tips. Happy cooking!
Preparing Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Creating a dish as delicious as Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken is easier than you think! With a few simple steps, you can impress family and friends with a meal that's not only comforting but also bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into how to prepare this tantalizing dish that could make anyone fall in love!
Season the Chicken
Start by prepping your organic chicken breasts. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with sea salt and your On Everything All-Purpose Blend. This is where the magic begins! Make sure the chicken is well-coated and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This short marination time allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring every bite is seasoned to perfection.
Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Next up, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add in your unsalted butter. Once the butter melts, toss in minced garlic and sauté it until it’s fragrant—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Now, add your seasoned chicken to the skillet. Searing the chicken creates a beautiful golden crust—cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest; this lets the juices redistribute for a succulent result.
Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In that same skillet, you'll want to add a tablespoon of olive oil and amplify the flavors with more Tuscan seasoning and a hint of salt. Stir in your tomato paste to create a rich base for the sauce. Then, gradually add the heavy cream and chicken stock while gently stirring. Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for brightness. As the sauce begins to bubble, whisk in the freshly grated parmesan until it melts into a creamy delight—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick.
Bring It All Together
With the sauce blending beautifully, stir in chopped kale and halved grape or cherry tomatoes. Return the chicken to the skillet, gently coating it in the flavorful sauce. This step is critical, as it allows the chicken to soak up all those incredible Tuscan flavors.
Simmer and Serve
Allow everything to simmer for 15-20 minutes, making sure the chicken cooks through and remains tender. Stir occasionally and spoon extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. When you’re ready to serve, the dish pairs wonderfully with sides like gnocchi, rice, or even some crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. Sprinkle a touch more parmesan on top for a cheesy finish, and your meal is ready to impress!
Cooking Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken is not just about following a recipe; it’s an experience filled with flavor and love. So, gather your ingredients and get ready for a meal that just might inspire the heart!
Variations on Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Dairy-Free Alternative
If you’re looking to enjoy a creamy Tuscan marry me chicken without dairy, you’re in luck! Substitute the regular butter with vegan butter and replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. For a cheesy touch, try using your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast. This way, you can savor a rich and creamy sauce while keeping it plant-based and delicious!
Veggie-Packed Twist
For an even more colorful and nourishing meal, consider adding a variety of vegetables to your creamy Tuscan marry me chicken. Spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers can amp up the flavor and texture. Not only do they enhance the dish's nutritional profile, but they also bring vibrant colors that make this weeknight meal visually enticing!
Experiment with these variations to suit your taste—everyone will love the extra flair and you’ll be serving up a beloved meal that celebrates both flavor and health.
Cooking tips and notes for Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Storage tips for leftovers
If you find yourself with any remaining Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken, don’t worry! Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of heavy cream or chicken stock to bring back that delightful creaminess. This trick will ensure the sauce remains silky and appetizing!
Spice adjustments for personal taste
Feel free to make this dish your own by adjusting the spices! If you prefer a milder flavor, consider reducing the amount of the Tuscan blend. Alternatively, add more garlic for a bolder profile, or sprinkle in your favorites like crushed red pepper or Italian seasoning for an extra kick. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility—so have fun experimenting! For more seasoning ideas, check out this spice guide for additional inspiration.
Serving suggestions for Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Best sides to complement the chicken
When it comes to elevating your Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken, the right sides can make all the difference. Here are some delightful pairings to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of buttery mashed potatoes complements the rich sauce of the chicken beautifully.
- Pasta: Opt for fettuccine or spaghetti tossed in olive oil and garlic to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Steamed Veggies: Bright green vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a fresh contrast to this hearty dish.
- Cauliflower Rice: A lighter, low-carb alternative that still gives you that great texture and adds flavor to your meal.
Feel free to tailor these suggestions to your taste! Whether you're sharing this meal with family or enjoying a cozy night in, these sides will enhance your Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken experience. Interested in more ideas? Check out various sides at Serious Eats for inspiration!
Time breakdown for Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Preparation time
Getting ready to whip up this Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken is a breeze! You’ll need just about 10 minutes to clean and season the chicken, and gather your ingredients. Perfect for when you want to maximize flavor without spending hours in the kitchen!
Cooking time
Now, let’s dive into the magic of cooking. This savory dish requires approximately 35 minutes of cooking time. In under 40 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from the comfort of your own home.
Total time
In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, creamy chicken dish that’s sure to impress! It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but feels special enough to serve on occasions. It’s no wonder this dish is known to make hearts flutter!
If you're enjoying this time breakdown, you might also want to explore how easy it is to customize the recipe based on what you have in your pantry! Got leftover veggies? Toss them in! Each change adds a personal touch to your Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken.
Nutritional Facts for Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Calories per Serving
Indulging in the Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken packs a punch, with 920 calories per serving (based on a two-serving recipe). This hearty dish is perfect for satiating your hunger after a busy day, combining delicious flavors and rich textures.
Key Nutrients
This savory meal doesn't just taste great; it's also packed with essential nutrients:
- Protein: Each dish offers a whopping 60g of protein, fantastic for muscle repair and growth.
- Fat: It contains about 68g of fat, including healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil.
- Carbohydrates: With 17.5g of carbs, this dish fits well into a low-carb diet.
For more detailed information on healthy eating, feel free to check out these resources from Healthline and USDA. Keeping track of your nutritional intake can significantly impact your wellness journey!
FAQs about Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Can I use alternative meats?
Absolutely! If you're looking to switch things up, you can use chicken thighs, turkey, or even beef cuts to create your creamy Tuscan dish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on your meat choice. Chicken thighs tend to remain juicier than breasts, making them an excellent option.
How do I keep the sauce creamy upon reheating?
Reheating is best done slowly to preserve that luscious creaminess. If you notice the sauce has thickened, simply add a splash of chicken stock or a bit of heavy cream while warming. Stir thoroughly to bring back that smooth, velvety texture you love.
What sides pair best with this dish?
When it comes to sides, the options are endless! Consider serving your Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken with garlic bread, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Pasta or gnocchi also complement this dish beautifully, soaking up the delightful sauce. For more side ideas, check out our favorite side dish recipes.
Conclusion on Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
In summary, this Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken is not just a meal, but a delightful experience. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s simple yet impressive enough for special occasions. Trust us, you’ll want to make this again!
Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken
Equipment
- large bowl
- Large skillet
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 2 lbs organic chicken breasts You can also use drumsticks, etc.
- 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend Purchase or make your own blend.
SAUCE
- 4 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 Tbsps Tuscan Marry Me blend Purchase or make your own blend.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1.5 cups organic heavy cream
- 1 cup organic chicken stock/broth
- 3 Tbsps white cooking wine Can substitute with additional chicken stock.
- 0.5 lemon freshly-squeezed
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
- 1-2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes halved or whole.
- 1 cup organic kale chopped
Instructions
SEASON THE CHICKEN
- In a large bowl, add your freshly cleaned + rinsed chicken along with the salt and All-Purpose Blend, mixing everything together until chicken is fully coated. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
SEAR THE CHICKEN
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and once fully melted, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook on each side until seared, about 3-4 minutes each side. Once brown on each side, remove from skillet and set unto a plate to 'rest' while you make the sauce.
MAKE THE SAUCE
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil until heated.
- Add in 1-2 Tbsps tuscan blend seasonings and salt and stir until well combined. Add in the tomato paste, stirring until combined.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly add in the heavy cream, chicken stock, lemon juice, and white wine, stirring until combined. Let it slightly bubble for 1-2 minutes and then add in the grated parmesan, whisking until fully melted and sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the chopped kale and tomatoes, stirring until combined and return the chicken breasts. Let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Stir the sauce occasionally and spoon it unto the chicken breasts as they continue to cook. Remove from heat once done.
- To serve, enjoy the chicken with your favorite side such as gnocchi, rice, pasta, veggies, etc. Garnish with a bit of grated parmesan if desired.
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