Discover how to make Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken, a deliciously creamy and savory chicken dish that’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Your family will fall in love with this flavor-packed recipe!
It might just inspire a proposal. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken smothered in a creamy, flavorful, simply unforgettable sauce.
If you love a delicious air fryer chicken recipe, try my recipe for Air Fryer Orange Chicken (Panda Express Copycat), Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe, or How to Air Fry a Whole Chicken.
What Is Marry Me Chicken?
“Marry Me Chicken” is a popular and romantic-sounding dish known for its flavorful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and various herbs and spices. The name “Marry Me Chicken” likely stems from the idea that it’s so delicious it could inspire someone to propose marriage after tasting it.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Irresistible Flavor: Every bite is a burst of deliciousness.
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, you can achieve the same delectable results as the stovetop version but with less hands-on cooking time.
- Crispy Chicken: The air fryer gives perfectly crispy and golden-brown chicken without deep frying.
- Creamy Sauce: The creamy sauce is the star of the show. It’s rich, velvety, and packed with flavor.
- Romantic and Elegant: The name “Marry Me Chicken” adds a touch of romance and elegance to your meal.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this dish by adjusting the herbs, spices, and seasonings to suit your taste.
- One-Pot Wonder: With the air fryer, you can prepare the entire dish in one appliance, from searing the chicken to simmering the sauce.
- Versatile: While Marry Me Chicken is a star on its own, it’s also a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with various sides, such as pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Breasts: Provide a lean and tender protein base that’s perfect for absorbing the flavors of the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Giving the chicken a golden-brown and crispy exterior.
- Onion: Add a savory and aromatic element to the dish, adding flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Infuse the sauce with a delightful and fragrant garlic flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce, providing richness and a luscious texture.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and savory notes to the sauce, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Combines herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, infusing the dish with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty and salty taste to the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a hint of spice and a touch of heat, balancing the sauce’s richness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning the chicken and the sauce, ensuring that every element is well-seasoned and delicious.
How To Make Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken
Step One: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to taste. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Brush them with olive oil. Set cook time for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are cooked and have a golden brown exterior. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Step Two: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Step Three: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly. Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted—season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step Four: Once the chicken is in the air fryer, remove it and place it on serving plates. Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve your Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips
- Thick Chicken Breasts: Use thick chicken breasts for this recipe, as they are less likely to dry out during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure it reaches the desired temperature quickly, leading to better browning and cooking results.
- Seasoning Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and black pepper before searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken in a hot skillet before air frying adds flavor and texture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust Creaminess: You can adjust the sauce’s creaminess to your liking by adding more or less heavy cream.
- Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to garnish the dish.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times in the air fryer can vary depending on the model and size of the chicken breasts.
- Serve Promptly: Marry Me Chicken is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is creamy and the chicken is hot and crispy.
Storing
- Storing: Allow the Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain its crispy texture. Alternatively, warm it in a skillet over low heat with the sauce to prevent drying out.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken
Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery pasta to soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.
Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a healthy balance. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette or warm, crusty bread can also complement the dish beautifully, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken Recipe Faqs
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”? The name “Marry Me Chicken” is whimsical and likely originated from the idea that this dish is so delicious it could inspire someone to propose marriage after tasting it. It’s a fun and romantic name for a flavorful chicken recipe.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken in advance? Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce in advance and store it separately.
How can I make the dish spicier? To add heat to Marry Me Chicken, consider incorporating red pepper flakes into the sauce or using a spicy Cajun seasoning blend on the chicken before searing. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream? While heavy cream provides the richest and creamiest results, you can use half-and-half or milk as a lighter alternative. Keep in mind that the sauce may be less creamy but still flavorful.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer? Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken on the stovetop or in the oven. Sear the chicken in a skillet, then bake it with the sauce in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until the chicken is cooked through.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Bagel Dogs
- Air Fryer Soft Pretzels
- Air Fryer Corn Dogs
- Easy Air Fryer Pizza Bagel Bites
- Air Fryer Copycat Applebee’s Cheese Sticks
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Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken
Description
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts,
- 1 teaspoon Salt , to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to your spice preference
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt , to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket. Brush them with olive oil.
- Air fry the chicken for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are cooked and have a golden brown exterior. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Once the chicken is done in the air fryer, remove it and place it on serving plates.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked chicken breasts.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Serve your Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken hot with your favorite side dishes like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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