Valentines Marry Me Chicken; Mexican-Fusion

This elevated take on the viral classic adds a layer of smoky depth and bright acidity to the traditional cream sauce. By introducing chipotle and lime, we cut through the richness of the heavy cream, creating a “Marry Me” chicken that is as bold as it is comforting.

Why This Recipe Works

The base of sun-dried tomatoes provides a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the heat of chipotle peppers. Searing the chicken in the same pan used for the sauce ensures that every bit of “fond” (caramelized protein) is deglazed into the cream, resulting in a restaurant-quality sauce in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 Large chicken breasts (approx. 700g / 1.5 lbs), halved lentghwise
• 30g (¼ cup) All-purpose flour
• 30ml (2 tbsp) Olive oil
• 30g (2 tbsp) Unsalted butter
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 250ml (1 cup) Heavy cream
• 120ml (½ cup) Chicken bone broth
• 50g (½ cup) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 60g (½ cup) Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
• 10g (2 tsp) Chipotle in adobo, finely minced
• 5g (1 tsp) Dried oregano
• Optional Twist: 2g (½ tsp) Cumin for an earthier Mexican profile
• 1 Lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Dredge the Chicken Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This creates the “crust” that helps the sauce cling to the meat.
2. Sear to Golden Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Build the Aromatic Base In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the minced chipotle and oregano (plus optional cumin), stirring to combine.
4. Create the Cream Sauce Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
5. The Melt Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lime juice. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
6. Combine and Finish Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the meat and simmer for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish heavily with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

• The Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water to reach your desired silkiness.
• Substitution: For a “Soul” twist, swap the chipotle for 1 tsp of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat; adding a splash of milk will help loosen the cream sauce without breaking it.
• Prep Shortcut: Use pre-sliced chicken “tenders” to skip the slicing and decrease the sear time to 3 minutes per side.

Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat; adding a splash of milk will help loosen the cream sauce without breaking it.

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