This low-carb and keto-friendly dish is said to be so good, it will inspire your partner to propose on-the-spot after eating one bite! Consisting of oven-roasted chicken coated in a creamy white wine, garlic, and sundried tomato sauce; this chicken entrée is sure to incite love with each and every morsel.

Going to the Chapel, and We’re Gonna Get Married

Where does this delightful dish get its memorable name? This succulent Sicilian meal is said to get its name from the writers of one of my go-to recipe sites: Delish. According to Delish, they prepared this recipe for their food tasters (How do I get that job?). When they tasted their first bite of chicken, cooked in an iron skillet and smothered in a garlicky, wine-infused cream sauce with sun dried tomatoes and thyme, they exclaimed: “I’d marry you for that chicken,” and: “Oh my God, that’s marriage material.” 

So, for those of you who think that the decision to commit one’s life to another’s, based solely on a one-pan chicken dish, here’s to you.

But, in all seriousness, this is an easy-to-make, carb-conscious recipe worthy of trying. And, as you may be able to glean from my prior posts, I do think that there is a tenable connection between food, family, and even love. It’s important to me to create a delectable dish to serve those I care for. I eat it up (pun intended), when friends and family request that I make a particular preferred dish for the next gathering. To me, that’s what cooking is all about: Sharing bliss, from my family to yours, one bite at a time.

Gee, I Really Love You, and We’re Gonna Get Married

As previously discussed, you should always choose drinking wine over cooking wine in dishes. Wine is a perfectly acceptable indulgence, even on a low-carb diet. I know that some celebrate “Dry January,” (& hats off, to those of you that do). Personally, I am more in the mindset of celebrating Dry (Wine) January.

This particular recipe calls for a dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc. At 2-3g net carbs per serving, you can feel fine as wine in allowing yourself to drink a glass (or two, or three…) while you prepare dinner, and/or serve the wine as a perfect compliment to the meal.

Going to the Chapel of Love

On tonight’s Kitchen Playlist: “Chapel of Love,” by the Dixie Cups. This classic 60s song was written by Jeff Barry & Ellie Greenwich; who got married the year before they wrote the happy, catchy tune. The Dixie Cups were a 1960s trio from New Orleans, composed of Joan Marie Johnson and her two cousins: Barbara and Rosa Hawkins. Although “Chapel of Love,” would arguably be deemed their most well-known hit, they also had success with songs such as “People Say,” and “Iko Iko.”

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken:

• 1 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 lbs.)
• 1/2 c. heavy cream
• 1 c. fresh-grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 c. chicken broth
• 1/2 c. dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio, dry Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1/2 c. sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 c. fresh spinach
• 3 Tbsp. fresh minced garlic
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. dried basil
• 1/2 tsp. dried red pepper flakes

Instructions for Marry Me Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large cast iron skillet (or other oven-safe pan), heat the EVOO over medium heat.
3. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Then, season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
4. Sear both sides of the chicken in the preheated skillet, about 5 minutes on each side. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for the time being.
5. Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
6. Whisk in the heavy cream, white wine, and chicken broth. After that, add in the remaining spices and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove pan from heat.
7. Quickly stir in the sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and 1/2 c. of the Parmesan cheese.  
8. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each breast, ensuring that they are fully covered in the sauce.
9. Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and coat the chicken with the sauce again. Then, top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
10. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes; until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit).