Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that has earned its name because it’s said to be so irresistible, it might just inspire someone to pop the question! This creamy chicken recipe features tender chicken cooked in a rich and indulgent sauce made with ingredients like heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of seasonings such as basil and parmesan. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is not only comforting but also packed with bold, savoury flavours that can make any meal feel extra special.
Traditionally, the chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection and then simmered in the creamy sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a satisfying, indulgent meal. While this traditional method is delicious, it can be time-consuming and involve a lot of cleanup. That’s where the air fryer comes in! This easy air fryer version of “Marry Me Chicken” offers the same delicious flavor but in less time, and with significantly less mess. The air fryer cooks the chicken to juicy, golden perfection while also reducing the need for extra pots and pans. The chicken is simply seasoned, air-fried to tender juiciness, and then smothered in the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, making for an effortless yet indulgent dish.
This air fryer “Marry Me Chicken” is perfect for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day or a romantic date night. It’s also a great option for a quick and easy family dinner during the week, combining gourmet flavors with the simplicity of air frying. Whether you’re preparing it for a celebration or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this dish is sure to impress and leave everyone craving more!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 12-15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and kitchen roll
Ingredients for Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2 tablespoons of corn flour
olive oil spray
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
A teaspoon of garlic puree
1 tablespoon of tomato puree
75ml of chicken stock
2 tablespoons of grated parmesan
8 sun dried tomatoes, sliced
175ml of single cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
A handful of fresh basil leaves
Method
Start by prepping the chicken. Take your chicken breasts and pat them dry with kitchen roll – this helps them brown better during cooking. Then slice them into bite-sized chunks, making sure they’re all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Place the chicken pieces into a mixing bowl and add the cornflour. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. This will help create a light, crispy coating once cooked. Season generously with salt and pepper, spray with olive oil, and give everything another good mix.
Transfer the seasoned chicken directly into the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a crisper tray, you can remove it for this recipe, or alternatively use an oven-safe dish that fits snugly into your air fryer.
Cook the chicken at 200°C for around 8 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the chicken a good stir to help it cook evenly and start to develop a golden, lightly crisped exterior.
Once the chicken is browned, add the rest of your ingredients directly to the basket or dish: dried oregano, smoked paprika, half of the grated Parmesan, a spoonful of garlic purée, a dollop of tomato purée, single cream, a splash of chicken stock, and your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything well to combine and coat the chicken in the creamy, flavour-packed sauce.
Continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve your creamy garlic parmesan chicken over freshly cooked pasta or fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan cheese. You can also enjoy it with a crisp green salad or creamy mashed potatoes on the side. A rich, comforting dish that’s sure to impress!
Tips for Air Fryer Marry Me Chicken
1. Use boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Both work well, but thighs stay extra juicy. If using breasts, consider slicing them in half horizontally for quicker, more even cooking.
2. Season generously
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before cooking. The air fryer locks in flavour, so start bold.
3. Sear first for max flavour (optional)
For extra colour and texture, sear the chicken in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side before air frying. Especially helpful if your air fryer doesn’t brown as deeply.
4. Air fry, then sauce
Air fry the chicken first at 190°C (375°F) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While that’s cooking, make the creamy tomato-based sauce on the hob.
5. Make the sauce separately
Simmer garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, double cream, parmesan, and chicken stock in a pan until thick and glossy. You can also finish the dish in an oven-safe air fryer dish with the sauce if needed.
6. Combine and finish
Pour the hot sauce over the cooked chicken and return to the air fryer for a final 2–3 minutes to meld the flavours. Or just spoon the sauce on top and serve immediately.
7. Rest before serving
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving as it helps retain juices and allows the flavours to settle.
8. Serve with a soak-it-up side
Marry Me Chicken is rich and creamy so pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to make the most of that dreamy sauce.
Similar recipes
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Whether you’re craving another cosy main or a simple side, these recipes will help keep the easy, delicious vibes going strong.
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