Marry Me Chicken is the kind of dish that combines the richness of garlic, the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the creaminess of Parmesan cheese, all over perfectly seared chicken breasts. The marriage of these ingredients creates a sauce so flavorful, it’s sure to make anyone fall in love with your cooking. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family meal, or a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy and Flavorful Sauce

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that’s savory, creamy, and full of flavor. The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty richness, while the red pepper flakes give it just the right amount of heat. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything!

Quick and Easy to Make

Despite its rich flavor, Marry Me Chicken is simple and quick to prepare. It only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

One-Pan Wonder

The best part? This dish is made in just one pan. You’ll sear the chicken, simmer the sauce, and finish cooking it all in the same skillet, reducing cleanup and keeping the flavors all in one place.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option, though the cook time may vary slightly.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: These seasonings help bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs works beautifully with the creamy sauce. You can substitute with oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have Italian seasoning.

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: The combination of olive oil and butter ensures a perfect sear on the chicken and adds flavor to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for the sauce, bringing in a deep, aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: This gives the sauce a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your food.
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth: Chicken broth adds moisture and depth to the sauce. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter version.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious, creamy texture. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy, concentrated flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
Fresh basil (optional for garnish): Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish, but it’s optional.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken:

Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the butter melts, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Bake the Chicken:

Add the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.

5. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve the chicken with plenty of the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. It’s a rich and indulgent meal that works well for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. You can also serve it with a side salad or pasta for a more substantial meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the sauce, you can freeze the chicken separately and reheat it with a fresh batch of sauce when needed.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken

For quicker cooking: Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets for faster cooking.
No spice? Omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Check for doneness: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Variations

Add mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for added texture and flavor.
Make it dairy-free: Use coconut milk or almond milk and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute for a dairy-free version.
Add spinach: Toss in some fresh spinach for added greens.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and tend to be juicier. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables also make great sides.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken is a decadent and rich dish that combines savory, creamy, and tangy flavors in one skillet. With tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a Parmesan cream sauce, this dish will impress anyone you serve it to. Whether it’s a romantic evening or a family dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!

Marry Me Chicken

Tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, then smothered in a creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce with a hint of heat. This dish is so good, it’ll make you want to say “Marry me!”

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Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil optional for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and bake for 10-12 minutes in the oven.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe: A Creamy, Flavorful Delight