Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken is the dish that makes you believe in love at first bite. With juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, every element of this dish is designed to wow. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese creates an indulgent sauce, while the hint of heat from red pepper flakes and fresh basil garnishing the final dish takes it over the top. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, Marry Me Chicken is bound to win hearts.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this irresistible dish:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic (minced)
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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Salt & black pepper (to taste)
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Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Searing the Chicken
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Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts.
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Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown.
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Take the chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
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Making the Creamy Sauce
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Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté until aromatic.
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Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften.
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Pour in chicken broth, deglazing the pan to capture all the flavors.
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Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream and parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
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Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
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Simmering to Perfection
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Put the chicken back in the skillet and drizzle the creamy sauce over it.
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Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
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Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2
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Preparation time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor and color.
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Gluten-Free Option: Make the dish gluten-free by ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free and swapping in gluten-free pasta if you’re pairing this with one.
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Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
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Substitute Chicken: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work wonderfully for this recipe, offering a richer, juicier flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately from the chicken, then combine and heat just before serving.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a subtle heat from the red pepper flakes, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount of flakes to your liking.
Can I use regular cream instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is ideal for its richness, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Reheat gently to avoid separating the cream.
Can I use a different cheese?
Parmesan is a key component, but you can experiment with asiago, romano, or even mozzarella for a different twist.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or omit them entirely for a more simple flavor profile.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. You can check using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap out the parmesan for a dairy-free cheese.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken is a soul-satisfying dish that combines simplicity with elegance. The seared chicken, coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce, is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you. Whether it’s date night or a family dinner, this recipe is destined to become a favorite.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously creamy chicken dish made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. This easy recipe will wow your taste buds with tender, seared chicken breasts in a rich, flavorful sauce, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to soften.
- Pour in chicken broth, deglazing the pan.
- Lower heat to medium and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Simmer and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the pan and drizzle the creamy sauce over it.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts to the sauce.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free and serve with gluten-free pasta.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Searing & Simmering
- Cuisine: American