Valentines Marry Me Chicken

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Creamy sun-dried tomato chicken brightened with lime and chipotle, rich and comforting with a smoky edge. Perfect for a dare night.

Close-up shot of golden-brown chicken breasts in a creamy orange sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh cilantro, served in a black cast-iron skillet on a stainless steel counter.

Prep: 10 Minutes

Cook: 20 Minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 large chicken breasts
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 60 g (½ cup) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
  • 120 ml (½ cup) chicken bone broth
  • 50 g (½ cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 10 g (2 tsp) chipotle in adobo, finely minced
  • 5 g (1 tsp) dried oregano
  • Optional: 2 g (½ tsp) cumin
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Slice chicken breast in half, length wise.
  2. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge lightly in flour so the sauce will cling.
  3. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté briefly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the minced chipotle and oregano (plus optional cumin), stirring to combine.
  5. Pour in the chicken bone broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits. Add heavy cream and simmer until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
  7. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes more so the flavors meld and the chicken is fully warmed through.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

Searing the chicken in the same pan used for the sauce builds fond (caramelized flavor), which is then deglazed into the cream and sun-dried tomato base. The chipotle and lime add bright, smoky contrast to the richness of the cream and Parmesan, yielding a sauce that feels layered and balanced despite the short cook time.

Pairing Suggestion

This saucy chicken is well balanced by neutral side elements like steamed rice, wide noodles, or roasted baby potatoes. A simple green salad dressed with citrus and olive oil mirrors the lime in the sauce and cuts its richness without competing.

Leftover Strategy

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water so the cream sauce loosens and regains silkiness. Leftovers also make an excellent sandwich filling or base for a creamy pasta the next day.

Make It Yours

  • Texture tweak: Serve over buttered couscous or polenta for added body.
  • Spice variation: Increase chipotle or add smoked paprika for a deeper smoky heat.
  • Acid swap: Substitute lime juice with white wine vinegar for sharper acidity.
  • Heat adjustment: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a brighter heat profile.

Kitchen Connections

Foundation:
(to be linked – Aromatic Cream Sauce Base)

Next Dish:
(to be linked – Creamy Chicken Pasta or Chicken Sauce Over Rice)

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