This chicken dish, inspired by a viral online discussion, features tender chicken breast coated in a thick layer of creamy sauce. The sauce perfectly blends the sweet and sour flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the rich flavor of Parmesan, making every bite feel like a sweet promise. Made in a single pot, the sauce is incredibly abundant and perfect for pouring over rice or pasta—simple yet instantly captivating.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 800g), thinly sliced crosswise
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
Sauce Core:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1½ cups double-heavy butter
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika (or chili flakes, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh basil leaves, shredded (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step One: Preparing the Chicken Season thinly sliced chicken breast evenly with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat with flour, shaking off any excess. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breast until golden brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside. Leave some oil in the skillet to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
Step Two: Sautéing the Base
Turning the heat to medium-low, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in chicken stock and scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to caramelize and enhance the flavor. Next, add heavy cream and Parmesan butter, stirring until the sauce simmers. Sprinkle in paprika, oregano, and thyme. Simmer over low heat for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of the spoon.
Step Three: Blending the Essence and Finishing Touches
Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for another 2 minutes. Return the chicken (along with the remaining sauce) to the skillet, cover, and simmer over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Sprinkle with basil before removing from heat, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if desired. The thicker the sauce, the more appealing it will be; for a richer consistency, simmer for a little longer.
Sauce Upgrade Tips
- Rich Secret: Add ½ cup more butter or extend the simmering time for a velvety smooth sauce, perfect for pouring over rice.
- Variations: Substitute with chicken thigh meat for more gravy; for a vegetarian version, use tofu or eggplant; for a spicier option, add more paprika.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate for 2-3 days. When reheating, add a little butter or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Perfect Pairing Suggestions
- Main Course Base: Hot rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes soaked in the sauce.
- Garnish: A refreshing green salad or steamed asparagus to balance the richness of the cream.
- Drink Companion: White wine or lemon soda to balance the full flavor.
This is no ordinary home-cooked meal; it’s a dish that ignites passion at the table. The moment it’s placed on the table, an irresistible magic seems to fill the air—once you taste it, you’ll know why it’s called “Proposal Chicken.”
