The dish that women use to attract a potential spouse.

Cooking "engagement chicken" can help you get a marriage proposal.

Have you heard of "engagement chicken"?

Or better yet: Have you tried it before?

The dish is famously known as the one that makes a man propose.

According to Sarah Bridenstine, the recipe for engagement chicken originated from Glamour magazine and was given to a staffer by her editor. The dish, which was first published in the early 2000s, has roots dating back to the 1980s.

She revealed that after preparing a meal for her boyfriend, he proposed shortly thereafter, earning him the nickname "engagement chicken."

"As more women shared their experiences with the recipe, it became legendary."

The beloved meal has since evolved.

As with any iconic dish, chefs and home cooks alike began putting their spin on it over time. Though the core ingredients remained largely consistent, creative variations emerged, reflecting the evolving tastes and personal stories of those who embraced it.

"The engagement chicken has been continually reimagined, with new herbs and roasting methods, while maintaining its romantic essence and reflecting the culinary diversity of the times."

Nathaniel Lee, chef of MealPrepify.com, echoed Bridenstine's sentiment that variations of this recipe exist, typically involving a whole roasted chicken seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices.

The "Barefoot Contessa" of the Food Network is renowned for her recipe of engagement chicken, which includes lemons, garlic, onions, dry white wine, olive oil and other ingredients.

Experimenting with various engagement chicken recipes until you find a favorite is crucial, as Bridenstine emphasizes, because the best cooking comes from the heart.

She said, "While not every dish may result in an engagement, it will certainly fill your heart with warmth and create cherished memories."

"As Bridenstine pointed out, what works for one person may not work for another. However, the uniqueness of recipes makes them special, just like the individuals who create them. So, whether you're proposing or just preparing a meal for a peaceful evening, this chicken recipe is sure to make it memorable."

Get Bridenstine’s and Lee’s spins on engagement chicken below.

Sarah Bridenstine of BakingKneads.com created Golden Moments Chicken (formerly known as engagement chicken).

Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 90 minutes

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (approx. 4-5 pounds)

3 whole lemons

Salt & pepper to taste

Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 °F.

To crisp the skin of the chicken, place it breast-side down in a roasting pan and roast for 15 minutes at this temperature once the oven is hot.

To ensure even cooking without drying out the meat, reduce the oven temperature to 375 °F after 15 minutes and continue roasting the chicken for approximately 60-70 minutes.

To guarantee that the chicken is fully cooked, the internal temperature must reach at least 165 °F when measured at the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.

Check the chicken temperature every 10 minutes until it reaches 165 °F.

After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 15 minutes before carving to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.

Engagement Chicken by Chef Nathaniel Lee of MealPrepify.com in California

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (approximately 3-4 pounds)

2 lemons

Fresh rosemary sprigs

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F.

Dry the chicken thoroughly after rinsing it inside and out.

Salt and pepper the chicken generously, both inside and out.

Insert garlic cloves into the chicken's cavity before placing it in a roasting pan.

Squeeze lemon juice over chicken and put lemon halves inside the cavity.

Place the other lemon in the roasting pan alongside the chicken and prick it several times with a fork.

To enhance the taste of the chicken, sprinkle some fresh rosemary and drizzle oil over it.

Cook the chicken in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165 °F at the thickest part of the thigh.

After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

Enjoy!

The recipe can be adjusted to suit individual tastes, with additional herbs or spices added to enhance the flavors.