Marry Me Chicken: What Makes it so Irresistible? 🤩
This dish isn’t just named Marry Me Chicken for fun. The flavours are so incredibly delicious that it’s said to be “proposal-worthy”. And honestly, after one bite of this creamy, rich chicken paired with perfectly cooked Risoni, you might find yourself falling in love too—whether it’s with the person you’re sharing it with, or the dish itself!
The magic happens in the sauce: a combination of stock, cream, and sun-dried tomato pesto that’s simmered to perfection. The chicken absorbs all these beautiful flavours while the Risoni soaks up the sauce, creating a velvety texture that’s just chef’s kiss 👌
Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Marry Me Chicken 🧑🍳
1. Choose the Right Chicken 🍗
While you can use either chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe, I personally recommend chicken thighs. They’re more forgiving and stay juicy even after simmering in the sauce. But if you prefer chicken breasts, just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. A little tip? You can flatten the breasts slightly with a rolling pin for even cooking!
2. The Best Risoni (Orzo) to Use 🍝
Risoni is the unsung hero in this dish. You can find it in most supermarkets, but if you’re feeling fancy, look for an Italian brand. Trust me, quality pasta makes all the difference. And if you don’t have Risoni, regular Orzo will do the trick. Just make sure not to overcook it! You want it al dente—firm but cooked through.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Adds That Extra Zing 🍅
Don’t skip the sun-dried tomato pesto! It brings a beautiful tangy and slightly sweet flavour to the dish. If you don’t have pesto on hand, sun-dried tomatoes work too. Just chop them finely and stir them into the sauce to release all that lovely flavour. You’ll thank me later 😏.
4. Creamy Goodness with the Right Cream 🥛
When it comes to the cream, I recommend using a good quality pouring cream (what Aussies call thickened cream). It gives the sauce that silky, luxurious finish. If you want to make the dish a bit lighter, you can substitute with light cream, but it won’t be quite as rich.
How to Serve and What to Pair with Marry Me Chicken 🥂
Now that your kitchen smells like a five-star restaurant, it’s time to think about how to serve your Marry Me Chicken. I like to garnish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for that pop of colour and freshness 🌿.
To make it a complete meal, here are some sides and pairings to consider:
- Steamed Veggies: A side of broccoli, green beans, or asparagus will balance out the richness of the dish 🥦.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the creamy sauce nicely 🥗.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread? Use it to mop up all that delicious sauce! 🍞
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs beautifully with the creamy, tangy flavours of the dish 🍷.
Make It Your Own! 🎨
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Add a handful of spinach or some sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies. Or if you like a bit of spice, a pinch of chilli flakes in the sauce will kick it up a notch 🌶️.
Once you’ve cooked this marry me chicken, don’t forget to take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff ! 📸 I’d love to see how your Marry Me Chicken Meets Risoni turns out!
Similar Recipes You’ll Love 😋
If you enjoyed this marry me chicken recipe, I have a feeling you’ll love these too:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Tray Bake: Your New Go-To Dinner Recipe!
- Creamy Garlic Prawn Risoni Bake – Your Next Favourite Dish!
- Lemon Chicken Risotto: Your New Go-To Comfort Food
I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a midweek treat. Bon appétit! 👩🍳💕
Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey everyone! 🌟 Today, I’m whipping up something absolutely delicious that’s guaranteed to win hearts: Marry Me Chicken Meets Risoni/Orzo! 😍 It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that combines tender chicken with the comforting hug of Risoni pasta, all drenched in a sun-dried tomato pesto sauce. Perfect for impressing that special someone or just treating yourself to a fancy dinner at home. Let’s dive into this culinary journey!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (your choice!)
- 1 diced onion for that aromatic kick
- 500g beans for a fresh, green twist
- 1 jar of sun-dried tomato pesto (or sun-dried tomatoes for that tangy zing)
- 1 cup of Risoni (or Orzo, if that’s what you have)
- 2 cups of stock (chicken or veggie, you pick!)
- 300ml of cream for that rich, silky finish
Instructions
- Season your chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Get your pan nice and hot with a splash of olive oil.
- Brown the chicken on both sides to lock in those juices. It’s okay if it’s not cooked through yet; we’ll get there!
- Remove the chicken, then throw in the diced onion and beans for a quick fry.
- Stir in the pesto, Risoni, stock, and cream. Wait for it to bubble with joy!
- Add the chicken back in, turn the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’re aiming for all that liquid gold to be absorbed and the Risoni perfectly al dente.
Voilà! You’ve got yourself a dish that’s not just a meal, but a love letter on a plate. 😘 Perfect for date nights, impressing guests, or when you need a little self-love.
Grab your apron, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! 🍴💫
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This marry me chicken can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of stock or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Yes, if you don’t have Risoni (Orzo), you can easily substitute it with small pasta shapes like ditalini or even pearl couscous. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so the pasta is perfectly cooked.
You can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of regular cream. The flavour will be slightly different, but still delicious. Also, be sure to check the pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for any hidden dairy ingredients.